PRAY FOR YOUR LEADERS
1 Tim 2:1-3
We live in a world where virtually everyone is selfish about his/her ambitions and gains such that we totally neglect the ministry of intercession for our leaders. Today’s government is castigated by annoyed, frustrated citizens who would abuse and talk down on the national leaders, instead of committing them to God.
Even if we hate the way things are going in our government, we must obey the biblical injunction in First Timothy 2:1-3 to pray for our leaders. Before you dismiss Paul’s instructions to pray for those in authority as ‘old school’ advice, remember that he lived at a time of terrible leadership failure and that he was eventually killed by Nero — the “king” he asked people to pray for! In First Timothy 2:1-3, Paul declared, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, 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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour….”
Paul gave us prayer commands in these verses that God expects us to obey regardless of who is in leadership position. In this passage of Scripture, he clearly defined guidelines for us to follow when we pray. Rather than rush to God with accusations, complaints and grumbling, we are to follow the positive approach in prayer Paul provided.
Although, there could be complaints about our bosses and superiors at our various units of professions, by committing their hearts to God and praying for them, He can help reset and tailor their steps towards godly decisions that will be beneficial to the entire administration or nation. The results and rewards when we heed this commandment is that God’s anger is revoked, and we experience His mercy. Secondly, peace is restored upon the land; thirdly, prosperity becomes the lot of the people, and leaders are blessed of God to do the needful for our nation.
Note that you are not to do this by raining curses or judgment upon them, but plead God’s mercy over their lives, commit their ways into God’s hands for proper direction and guidance, while you also reap the good of the land.
PRAYER: Lord, I commit our leaders to you, lead them aright and help them fulfill the mandate of God where you have placed them.
