Do you take the time to pray for those in authority?

Paul encourages us to pray for our leaders. The Bible contains several commands that remind us to lift our leaders in prayer. Praying is both a privilege and an obligation for the believer. Leaders include anyone in authority with decision responsibility. Praying for those in positions of authority is imperative because they make decisions that directly impact our lives. Their decisions affect our families, schools, laws enacted, our economy, and churches. Being a leader can be burdensome; therefore, praying for their wisdom and expressing gratitude for their willingness to lead is essential.

Paul explains the benefits that can be achieved by diligently praying for leaders. Making supplications entails the petitioner bringing specific requests to God. The key is that we’re being specific and targeted in our prayers. When we intercede, we acknowledge God as supreme, pray on behalf of the person, and finish by giving thanks, knowing that it is all in God’s hands. Praying for their salvation according to God’s will may very well change the outlook of wickedness in the world. Paul ultimately encourages us to be humble and reminds us that God ordains the outcomes, especially for existing authorities. The goal is to achieve peaceful, quiet lives that glorify our heavenly Father.

As Christians and citizens of our country, we must also exercise our right to vote. We should seek the Lord’s wisdom and discern who best governs and represents us. There is much divisiveness in our political environment, and it falls at the feet of those perpetrating propaganda to influence our votes. We must lay aside emotion and seek the Lord in prayer to ensure our decisions align with God’s word. This will give us godly discernment and affirm that we make the right choices.

We will all be held accountable for the decisions made in our lifetime. As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be proactive. Doing nothing is sinful. Do not be complacent. Let’s do our part as believers, pray for our leaders, take a stand for Christ, and get involved in civic duties. When our decisions and prayers are aligned with God’s will, faithful prayer can bring about significant change in our nation and will fill us with hope.

During this election cycle, are you seeking God’s word and praying for those who will govern and those already in leadership?

What actions will you take to ensure you are living out this command?

Father God, please help me to remember to pray for all those in authority daily. Please give me discernment and wisdom to choose our next leaders as the election approaches. Help me lay my feelings aside and ensure the chosen leaders will govern according to your word. Please compel those believers who are hesitant to vote to be brave and respond in a way that pleases you. Father, we ask for your divine intervention; please extend mercy to our nation and raise leaders who revere you. It is in Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Scripture References: Psalm 67:1-4; Proverbs 24:21; Ecclesiastes 8:2-5; Romans 13:1-7; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 2:4.