PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS

PROCLAMATION

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercession, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God …”  1 Timothy 2:1-2 (KJV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the Apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to provide him with directions and instructions. (1 Timothy 1:2)  In this pastoral epistle Paul exhorted Timothy to pray for all people, including the leaders and officials who had authority over them. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)  He said that doing so in good and acceptable in the sight of God, who wanted all people to be saved and to know the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-6)  Then Paul gave Timothy instructions regarding the role, and the behavior, and the dress for men and women in the church. (1 Timothy 2:8-15)

 

APPLICATION

We all need prayer, and we should all pray for one another. (James 5:16)  While we should pray for everyone, we should pray special prayers for our leaders, elected political officials, secular authorities, and religious leaders.  They need God’s help as their decisions and actions can have an effect the lives of believers.  They can make it difficult for us to live peaceful lives.  Some of them are trying to do the right thing but need help as they stand alone for that which is right.  Some of them can make honest mistakes, while others have thoughts of planned malice and deception.  Some only seek personal gain at the expense of the people that they should be serving.  Regardless of the reason for their bad choices, all of our leaders need our prayers.