BREAKING NEWS: The President and First Lady of the United States have tested positive for COVID-19.
The response on social media has been fascinating, to say the least. The irony of it all does amuse me. I’ve found myself chuckling at memes and tweets over the past few days. But my laughter ceases when viewing posts where people are expressing their pleasure and celebration toward the news. This is wrong. Irrespective of your political synergies, as Christians, we must pray for our world leaders.
Why Should We Pray for Our World Leaders?
We may have many legitimate reasons to dislike our world leaders. They may fail to carry out their God-given authority to protect their people, praise what is good and punish that which is evil (Romans 13:3-4, 1 Peter 2:13-14). Their policies may be to your detriment. Their actions (or lack of) may be the cause of great pain and difficulty in your life.
If this is the case, why should we pray for our leaders? Firstly, God commands it. This alone is reason enough to warrant our intercession for them.
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,
1 Timothy 2:1-2a
God Has Ordained Their Authority Over You
God works through means. What I mean by this is that God accomplishes His purposes through people, things, natural events and so forth. Voting is one example of this.
As citizens of a country where democracy is upheld, you can go to your local ballot box and cast your vote for your preferred candidate/party. It is through this activity that God brings whom He has ordained to hold office. In other words, they are placed there by God through the choices we make on election day. Yes, that includes Trump and Boris.
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.
Romans 13:1-2
Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by Him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
1 Peter 2:13-15
By Me kings reign,
Proverbs 8:15-16
and rulers decree what is just;
by Me princes rule,
and nobles, all who govern justly.
Praying For Them is For Our Benefit
Praying for our world leaders is also for our benefit. A nation is largely shaped by the effectiveness of leadership. Strong leadership provides stability. When focused on administering justice and meeting the needs of their people, society as a whole strengthens. This ultimately pleases God as it is for our benefit and for His glory. Therefore, we must do all we can to help our leaders fulfil these duties with prayer being one of many ways we can do so.
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,
1 Timothy 2:1-3
Some Prayer Points
It is imperative that we pray for our world leaders. Leading a nation is a mighty task at hand. How much more in a global pandemic? Let’s get on our knees and make intercession for them, so that they may:
- Have wisdom and understanding – 1 Kings 4:34, 1 Kings 10:23, James 1:5
- Be humble – causing them to lead cooperatively and collaboratively with authorities, MPs, senators, governors, Congress etc – Ecclesiastes 4:13
- Health – that they may be physically well, also enabling them to lead effectively – 3 John 1:2
- That they may fulfil their God-given duty over us – Romans 12:1-4, 1 Peter 2:13-14
- Be saved – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
In the mighty and precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.