Praying for Our Leaders

"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Timothy 2:1-2

WHAT TO PRAY - For Kings and Rulers
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, godly and respectful in every way." 1 Timothy 2:1-2 What a faith in the power of prayer! A few feeble and despised Christians are to influence the mighty Roman emperors, and help in securing peace and quietness. Let us believe that prayer is a power that is taken up by God in His rule of the world. Let us pray for our country and its rulers; for all the rulers of the world; for rulers in cities or districts in which we are interested. When God's people unite in this, they may count upon their prayer effecting in the unseen world more than they know. Let faith hold this fast.

HOW TO PRAY - The Prayer before God as Incense
"And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth; and there were peals of thunder, loud noises, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake." Revelation 8:3- 5 The same censer brings the prayer of the saints before God and casts fire upon the earth. The prayers that go up to heaven have their share in the history of this earth. Be sure that your prayers enter God's presence.

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Although the Holy Spirit is the teacher of prayer, we have also found the following suggestions helpful.

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The life of every citizen is impacted by an estimated 500,000 or more individuals who wield significant influence each day. Consider the vast multitude of elected officials, appointed judges, lawyers, police officers, bureaucrats, officials, military officers, media elite, news anchors, publishers and editors, talk show hosts, business executives and managers, theologians, ministers, rabbis, chaplains, priests, elders, pastors, deacons, lay workers, para-church ministry heads, educators, professors, teachers, medical practitioners, and hospital administrators, scientists, researchers, inventors and engineers, artists and designers, athletes, actors, and entertainment figures. How might we pray for these? -- Gary P. Bergel

1. That they be God fearing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act ( Proverbs 9:10).

2. That they be granted wisdom, knowledge, and understanding ( James 1:5).

3. That they be presented with the gospel and loving Christian witness ( Romans 10:14).

4. That they be drawn, if unsaved, to a saving encounter with Christ; if born again, that they be strengthened and encouraged in their faith (1 Tim. 2:4: Ephesians 1:17-23).

5. That they see their own inadequacy, pray and seek the will of God (Proverbs 3:5-8; Luke 11:9-13).

6. That they be convicted of sin, transgression and iniquity (Psalms 51:17; John 8:9).

7. That they heed their conscience, confess their sins and repent (Proverbs 28:13; James 4:8).

8. That they read the Bible and attend prayer meetings and Bible studies (Psalms 119:11; Col. 3:2).

9. That they value and regard the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ (Psalm 19:7-11; John 8:31,32).

10. That they respect and honor their own parents if living (Ephesians 6:2,3).

11. That they respect authority and practice accountability (Romans 13:1-7).

12. That they be given godly counsel and God fearing advisors (Proverbs 24:6).

13. That they be honest and faithful to spouses and children (Malachi 2:15,16).

14. That they be practicing members of local congregations (Hebrews 10:25).

15. That they desire purity and avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion and drunkenness (1 Corinthians. 6:9-20; Titus 2:12).

16. That they be timely, reliable and dependable (Matthew 21:28-31).

17. That they be honest in financial, tax and ethical matters (1Corinthians 6:10; 1Tim. 6:6-10).

18. That they seek pastoral care and counsel when needed (Hebrews 13:7).

19. That they seek out and nurture godly friendships (Psalms1: 1-3).

20. That they have thankful and teachable spirits (Romans 1:21)

21. That they be generous and have compassionate hearts for the poor and needy (Psalms 112:9; Luke 10:33-37)