We pray Wednesday: 5 Prayers for Political Leaders

In the political climate that we as Christians find ourselves in after the election last Tuesday, many are wondering what a Christian should do concerning these situations.  It is easy to criticize our political leaders and complain about the decisions that they make. In fact, some of them make it extremely easy for us to do these things.   However, there is a better way.  We need to remember that God's way is always perfect.  We as Christians should remember to follow God's Word in our reactions and responses to the things going on around us.  The best thing that we can do is to pray.  We should not only pray for our political leaders, but also for our country. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2a says “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…”

But, how should we pray for them and for what should we pray?  Let me give you five Biblical things that we should pray for those who are our political leaders

1. Pray for their Salvation

1Timothy 2:4  states "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."  This means that God wants all to trust Him as their Lord and Savior.  Political leaders, like all people, need the forgiveness of sins and the new life that comes through trusting in Jesus Christ.   Praying for the salvation of our leaders should be a top priority for us. Imagine how much better an elected official leads when he or she becomes a child of God!

2. Pray for them to have Wisdom

James 3:17 says "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."Political leaders are regularly called upon to make difficult decisions that affect many, many people. How can we expect them to do this well without wisdom and discernment from God?  We need them to have wisdom from God to make these difficult decisions on a daily basis.

3. Pray for them to have Courage

1 Chronicles 19:13  tells them to "Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight."Political leaders are often called upon to make compromises. Not doing so can cost them their careers. They need God to give them the strength of conviction and courage to do the right thing no matter what the personal cost.

4. Pray for them to have Humility

Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Political leaders have great power, deal with immense sums of money, work in lavish facilities, and are often treated like royalty. All this can quickly go to their heads and lead to arrogance and pride. Pray that God will keep them on their knees before Him, so that they can be led by Him before they attempt to lead us.

5. Pray for them to have Strength

Luke 22:46 “And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation."

Political leaders regularly encounter many strong temptations, including pride, arrogance, greed, deceitfulness, sexual immorality, alcohol abuse, and discouragement. Pray for them to resist these traps that can destroy their lives and families as well as their effectiveness as leaders. Sometimes praying might feel like a waste of time when there are so many other things we could be doing. Consider this though -- man’s best efforts to govern our land are proving to be far from effective. To persist in seeking exclusively manmade solutions to the problems of our day is futile. It is time for us to do it God’s way and seek the assistance and abundant blessings that only He can provide.