Have you ever run out of topics to pray about? That may seem like a silly question since we have many cares of our own and there are problems all over the world. However, God has given us specific things to pray about for specific reasons that sometimes we overlook. For example:
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings [or presidents] and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (I Timothy 2: 1-2)
We are told to pray for all people. Yet, it is interested that we are not only told to pray, but to offer various kinds of prayers. You probably haven’t heard the word supplication recently, but this list of prayer types lets us know that our petitions for others should be serious and directed, not just “God bless him or her.”
Everyone needs prayer, but why are we are told to pray specifically for leaders? Prayer for authorities may lead to changes that contribute to peace and the freedom to express one’s faith. If you want to live with less trouble, intercede for leaders to be saved and to make good decisions based on God’s Word instead of selfish ambition. Authorities have been put in power by God to keep the peace between neighbors and nations. This is a huge task that cannot be properly done with just human effort. So we are to pray,
For 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. (I Timothy 2: 3-4)
Everyone needs to be saved and everyone needs knowledge of the truth. However, those in power especially need the truth so that they can make wise decisions. We should pray that God will be the guide that our leaders follow. If they can put aside selfish ambition and actively seek the will of God, He will direct their paths in the right way—His way.
You may or may not agree with the President, Governor, Mayor, etc. but the Bible is clear on our need to pray for them. In this time of turmoil and division, our leaders need sound advice. Let’s pray that the Lord will be their Chief Advisor.