Praying for Our Leaders
Recently, I have grown anxious considering how close the election has become. My new routine (obsession) in the morning is grab the iPad and check for any overnight problems that have developed in the world. Great way to start the day with “quiet time.” What a mess. I need to have peace and a calm mind, focused on the things of God.
I ran across this chapter “Praying for Leaders” in the book Life Promises for Leaders by Zig Ziglar. It has helped refocus my prayer life. My hope is it will be an encouragement to you.
Praying for Leaders
"I [Paul] exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior." (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
It’s easy to complain about national politicians, corporate managers, bureaucrats at every level of government, and church leaders, but instead, Paul tells us to pray for them! Paul has a very broad view in mind. Good governance provides peace and stability so that the gospel can be spread unhindered to people next door and in the most remote parts of the earth. When our attention and resources aren’t absorbed by wars, bickering, and conflict, we can invest our energies in the things that really matter.
Paul didn’t suggest that we agree with all politicians. His eyes were fixed on an invisible Kingdom where God reigns and where grace and forgiveness are the highest virtues. The reality of life in this world is that we get caught up completely in the things that are seen but neglect the things that are unseen. Political power can serve the Kingdom by providing peace and stability. Then we can focus on what matters most. Whenever you think of our political, corporate, and religious leaders, pray for them, for the peace that they can provide, and for the gospel to spread under the umbrella of their authority.
Consider the following:
How do you usually think and talk about your political, corporate, and religious leaders?
Take some time now to pray for them and the cause of Christ to spread.
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 3:11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13.
—Mike