“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, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1–4 (NIV)
As believers we are charged with the mandate to pray for our leaders so that we will live in peace. We know and accept the Word of God as Truth and the governing principles of our Christian lives. Therefore the lack of peace that we are witnessing around the world and in our personal lives may be attributed in part to the lack of prayer of the believer for our leaders.
There is a high level of negative comments made concerning leaders and as we observe their actions it is generally in keeping with the negativity spoken over them; we acknowledge a human level of physical and intellectually weaknesses in some but flaws are made worse as we speak negatively about them and their ability to lead instead of praying for God to be Glorified in their lives and leadership skills.
Leaders have been appointed by God to be our representatives and they make decisions that affect our daily lives. 1 Timothy says we need to pray for all who are in authority so that we may live at peace. This clearly means that our peace is related to the level and nature of our prayer for leaders.
Prayer and intercession should be made for all persons in authority not only our political leaders but also business and financial leaders, insurance and pension plan leaders; network leaders, educational leaders and spiritual leaders. Our prayers for leadership should include parents, lawyers, teachers, board members, law enforcement officers, doctors, coaches/mentors, leaders of local clubs and organizations.
Prayer should be raised for anyone in leadership no matter how slight it may seem; even local PTAs and Home Owners Associations etc. The leadership and decisions of these persons affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual peace.
The devil attacks all leaders in an effort to affect the lives under their leadership, he knows that if he can manipulate the decisions leader make this impacts those under their leadership. If he gets the head he gets the body. Ephesian speaks about “spiritual wickedness in high places.” Any position above the one you are currently in is considered a “high place” in every area of your life.
Leadership is always under attack. We need to pray for our leaders in every area of our lives.
First we need to repent for the way we as a people have not supported our leaders in prayer as we have been commanded to do in the word of God.
· We must repent of the ungodly criticism and judgments that we have placed on leaders with our reckless speech.
· We must repent of the anger, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness we have/had for any leadership in our lives.
· We must repent for our lack of Godly support by our rebellion and passive aggressive behaviors that have been hindering good Godly leadership.
Then we should intercede for the souls of our leaders, surrendering them over to God!
Prayer places our leaders in God’s hands. “The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turns it where so ever he will.” Proverbs 21: 1. When we pray God’s will over our leaders God hears from Heaven and turns their hearts.
Prayer:
Lord we pray that You will give our leaders pure hearts and clarity of mind as they make decisions in keeping with Your will for those they lead. We pray for their peace of mind, protection and their families. We ask You Lord to restore them to the right place in You, giving them humility, integrity, endurance, boldness, discipline and wisdom to lead.
We pray Lord that You will give our leaders hearts of flesh to develop a love for the people and a relationship with You so that their souls would be won for Your kingdom and that we may live in peace. Amen.
To live in peace is to "live free."
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