Praying for our leaders

In the message before we looked at praying for our enemies. In this message we look at praying for our leaders. For some they may consider them the same thing.

Like with our enemies we should pray for our leaders. The people over us. This includes Mayors, Governors, and even the President. This does not hinge on whether we agree with their policies or positions but more whether we submit ourselves to God and do what he wants us to do. God put those in authority in the positions they have.

Romans 13:1 says: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

Even though God put them in authority it does not always mean that they follow His will. We have seen this throughout history. Even in the bible if you look at all the kings of Israel the large majority were evil and worked against God’s will.

So why pray for them? In the answer we know first and foremost that God requires us to do so.

The apostle Paul wrote Timothy an upcoming minster about this and he gave him this advice:

1 Timothy 2:1-4 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 peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

God requires us to pray for them because it pleases Him for us to do so. It’s a sign we put our own feelings and conditions in His hand by bringing our prayers for others to Him. It the case of those over us it puts them in the sight of God on our behalf and that scrutiny ultimately benefits us.

In the course of our lives we will never have leadership that perfectly aligns with God. This also includes our bosses and church leadership. Praying for them is a pleasing act to God, because we are going beyond ourselves and placing even thoughts and desires for others in his care. So always keep that in mind when we have to pray for those over us.

Your Brother in Christ,

Steve Koenig

Lakeshore Fellowship