Choose to pray for your leaders

Pastor Mark Jeske

May I admit that when I pray for people, I find it easiest to pray for myself? I’m not proud of saying that, but it doesn’t just naturally occur to me to pray for people wealthier and more powerful than I am.

But here’s a challenge: God loads our prayers with power, and he invites us, even commands us, to pray for the powerful (and usually wealthy) people who lead our cities, states, and country: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

What good can prayer for our leaders do? It can bring wisdom from heaven to augment their own. When King Solomon was granted one “magic” wish, he asked for wisdom, since he was overwhelmed with the pressure of governing and knew he needed God’s help. We can pray for patience in our leaders, for good judgment, for compassion for those who are weak or suffering, for integrity in their deeds and honesty in their talk, and for hearts of service. You can choose to pray for people you voted against, and even pray for leaders who may not be Christians, since the church sometimes has to make its way in places where the believers are in the great minority.

Will you do it today?

Devotion used by permission of Time of Grace®. For more information, visit timeofgrace.org