Praying for Our Leaders

Most Christians know that the Bible instructs us to pray?for our leaders, and many can quote 1 Timothy 2:1–2, which?urges us to offer “prayers, petitions, intercession and?thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all?those in authority….” But many are unsure about how to?move beyond a perfunctory listing of officials whom we?ask God to bless.

The use of four overlapping terms for prayer underlines?the urgency, intensity and comprehensiveness of the?mandate. The Bible makes clear that government leaders?— whether good or bad — play an important role in God’s?plan for human flourishing: Paul calls them God’s servants?(Romans 13:4).

Here are some practical suggestions:

• Include local as well as state and national leaders in your prayers. They need God’s guidance, too.
• Rather than reciting a long list, ask God to guide you as you pray for particular leaders and get to know their needs.
• Pray that your leaders will be truthful and dignified as they fulfill their God-given responsibility to serve the common good, even when it conflicts with personal or partisan advantage.
• Pray for your leaders to have healthy relationships — with God, their families, their constituents, and with?other leaders, including those they see as opponents.

Let your leaders know that you are praying for them. You can write them through the NAE Advocacy Center at NAE.org/takeaction.