Prayer For Our Leaders
by Brandy Webb
Now, that midterm elections are over, we as Christians should remember an important point regardless of who is in office:
I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim 2:1-4).
We must remember that the people in power are humans, and humans are very flawed. It does not matter if they are Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Green, or Tea Party, they are all flawed humans, and these flawed humans have a lot of power and control, which could even make the best of us lose sight of what is good and right. How many of us have seen humble people change when they are placed in positions of “power”?
Therefore, they need our prayers. It pleases our Father when we pray for our leaders, and praying for them may allow us to live quiet and tranquil lives, as Paul told Timothy. I don’t know what all may change, but prayer is powerful. How powerful is it? God tells Israel that if they “who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chron 7:14). I believe since He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, then this scripture can most likely apply to us, also.
The thing is, we are “subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God” (Romans 13:1). We may not agree on their policies, choices, decisions, etc., but we do have to follow the rules. So, the next time you or I get mad at a politician, we need to remember that God is the One who really put them there in power, and He wants us to pray for them. Who knows what prayer may accomplish, for “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16b).