Pray for Government Leaders All Over the World

 Day 67:  Pray for Government Leaders All Over the World

 

 

Prayer is a powerful resource that enables anyone who prays to connect instantly to the Father.  It is vitally important that we do not take our conversations with God lightly, but rather soberly and deliberately.  Prayer is key to the welfare of our nation.  The bible is clear that we need to pray for those who serve in government. 

 

Instead of complaining about what we do not like about government, pray for them.  Do not pray that they change the way you think they need to be, rather pray that God will shape them to lead with godly values, moral integrity and character, and ethical standards.

 

Complaining gets us nowhere fast.  The Apostle Paul told Timothy in the first letter,  “I urge, then, first of all, that request, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone  -  for kings and all those in authority, that we may live in peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

 

This section of Scripture illustrates the urgency for all Christians to pray for those in civil authority.  Tertullian said in the Apology, section 39, “We pray for our rulers, for the state of the world, for peace of all things and for the postponement of the end.” 

 

Justin Martyr writes in Apology 1:14,17 “We worship God alone, but in all other things we gladly serve you, acknowledging kings and rulers of men, and praying that they may be found to have pure reason with kingly power.”

 

Instead of criticisms, pray.  Instead of hate letters, write with kindness.  I’m not saying to compromise convictions or values, but I am saying that it is God who can do the shaping and changing of godless leaders from the inside out; we have to trust his lead, not ours. 

 

In 1^st Timothy 2, the Apostle Paul gives four ways to pray for our government.  Doing each of these will demonstrate that we trust that God can and God will help shape, change and lead our government.   

 

Request  -  The Greek translation deēsis means to pray with a special need in mind.  The Christians of Paul’s day experienced persecution by the emperor Nero.  It was imperative that believers prayed for Nero’s heart so that he would change his ways and stop the evil he was inflicting on Christians.  The same is true for what is happening in Ukraine and other countries being persecuted.  Our prayers should be saturated with requests on behalf of nations being inflicted by brutality that the hearts of evil leaders will be changed into a compassion and kind heart. 

 

Prayer  -  The Greek translation proseuchē means to exclusively approach God.  The approach to God can be for a variety of reasons:  To ask for help, to ask for forgiveness, or to ask that God will give guidance to those in “authority.”  Government needs our prayers. They need guidance and direction to lead with integrity and with a desire to model biblical truths and the life Christ led. 

 

Intercession  -  The Greek translation enteuxis connotes the idea that one is coming before a king with an appeal for his favor.  A government that desires God’s favor will effectively lead and be able to showcase godly leadership in a secular culture. 

 

Thanksgiving  -  The Greek translation eucharistia is a celebration and appreciation for what God is doing in our lives and in the lives of our government. 

 

It is my aim to encourage all of us to pray for government leaders all over the world to model kindness, grace, and mercy.  May God bless every nation and stop wars and promote love and unity. 

 

Remember, Be God Controlled!