40 DAYS OF PRAYER: DAY 34

Praying for Our Leaders 

We see that the Apostle Paul is addressing the young pastor Timothy… calling him to pray. 

1 Timothy 2:1-4 First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.`

The very concept of praying for our leaders is NOT something that started with civilized nations, nor did it start with The National Day Of Prayer in the United States… the Bible gives us direction to pray for our leaders, at ALL levels. World, nation, both secular and religious...God even gave instructions to the Israelites that were captive to pray for Babylon in: 

Jeremiah 29:7 Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.’

And even though we may struggle with what is happening in our country today, impeachment and divisiveness … this is a hard scripture… Paul reminds us:  

Romans 13:1 Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.

Paul also requested prayer; Ephesians 6:18-19 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 

As we have been engaging in 40 days of prayer… we must realize HOW important prayer is. The fact that the Bible mentions it increases the importance. Especially in praying for those in authority over us. Who is in authority? Government officials… President and Vice President, Congress, Senate, Judges, governors, mayors, counsel members, Pastors, church elders, school boards, principals, our employers… and… the list could go on. We are not to pray for our leaders just because we are commanded to. But to pray because really it just makes sense. Those who lead us, affect the conditions of our lives and impact our families, churches, jobs, city and country! If leaders are living godly lives and making godly choices, it makes it easier on all of us, to do what 1 Timothy 2:2 says: “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”… but, 

When evil men are in authority over us. Our prayers are needed just as much. William Tyndale’s last words as he was being burned at the stake were: “Lord, open the King of Englands eyes”! We don't pray for our leaders for our own benefit, we pray that God strengthens them. Leadership is a trying and tiring task. 

James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 

Leaders at every level carry a degree of responsibility. They are the target of criticism and the people that are relied on in all crisis’s. So as we pray for our leaders, lets remember that as they lead, they are serving and that in itself takes a toll. We pray for them with a humble heart recognizing the greatness of their task, being grateful for their willingness to lead. We pray also for their families and the pressure that is on them. So then, how do we pray for our leaders?Pray for their salvationRather or not they are Christians we should pray that God will guide them as they guide us. Pray that they are wise and discerning and surrounded by people who have strength where they are weak, pray for strong advisors. Acknowledging that no one is in authority over us that God did not allow, that His will be done, in and through them.Pray for their protection. When praying for our pastors, ministry leaders or spiritual leaders, we pray for strength in the midst of the Spiritual warfare. Pray that they be encouraged. Pray for their families who often feel scrutinized as they bear an extra load as well. I encourage you to make it part of your daily prayer routine. 

Taking our leaders before the Lord, asking him to move on their hearts, surrounding them with support, using their leadership to benefit those who surround them… 

Prayed for you all this morning! 

Much love and blessings, Pastor Scott

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