(1 Tim 2:1-4 NIV) I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Re-Energizing Your Prayer Life,” by continuing to look at “What to Pray For.” For the next few days we will actually be looking at who to pray for, as we focus on praying for others. Let’s start off with addressing the fact that we should pray for those in authority. Paul taught his spiritual son Timothy (and us) to make prayers, requests and intercession, with thanksgiving, for everyone. As a Born-Again believer our prayer time should not be consumed by “Me, my four, and no more.” Just like we are taught to be unselfish in all things, we should be unselfish with our prayer time. Paul then goes on to highlight kings and all those in authority. We ought to pray for our national leadership so that we can live “peaceful and quiet lives.” Here are a few suggestions of whom and what to pray for:
The President: That he would be led of the Spirit in making decisions. For a sound mind, a healthy body, and peace in his family. Also, that the Father would raise up the people He has strategically placed on the President’s staff, to provide him Godly counsel and anointed insight.
Congress: That the Father would move through the House and the Senate. That righteous laws would be passed and the unrighteous ones be stopped or changed. That elected officials would be men/women of integrity! That they would represent both God and their constituents in a way that is consistent with the Word and the law. That the Father would have an open door to influence our legislative process.
Supreme Court: That the justices operate in Divine Justice. That the Father would minister to them so that they could be used for His glory. That they would make rulings that are in line with the Word. That they would have the courage to overrule unrighteous rulings and to uphold the righteous ones. That the Holy Spirit and His influence would be welcome on the Supreme Court.
Judges: That all judges, at every level, be either directly influenced by the Holy Spirit or by believers who have influence with them. That rulings, all over the nation, be pleasing to the Father. That our citizens receive justice in our judicial systems. That the Father would expose corruption and that the judges would have the courage to do what is right before God, so that justice would prevail throughout our land.
Local, City, and State Officials: That every elected official, at every level, righteously fulfill the duties of their offices.
So what does this mean to you today? It means you have a responsibility before God to pray for those in authority and to vote as you are led of God, so that the Father is welcome to influence the election, selections, and decisions of key people in key positions. The Bible says, “When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan” (Prov 29:2)
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for leading me in prayer while I pray for all men, especially for those who are in authority! I pray that You would manifest Yourself to all Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Heads-of-State, and heads of militaries; so we could live quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty. That the unrighteous ones grow weary under the weight of sin; so that they could openly welcome believers to preach the Gospel in their nations/organizations. That You Father would continue to raise up righteous leaders, because when the righteous rule, the people prosper. That every nation be saved and blessed! That every leader rule under the power and grace of God! That every assistant, that has an audience with the leader, would speak Your will with confidence and grace, and that the leaders would both receive the Godly counsel and apply it! You want to be involved here in the earth and I welcome You to get involved, by beseeching You in prayer. Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven! I pray all these things in Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
