OneLoveSample

Praying for leaders

It is striking that Paul urges us to pray for all people, but especially for those in our civil government. We are often quick to criticise those in positions of authority, and yet scripture would have us pray for them instead. We also see in today’s passage that it is God’s desire (His yearning and strong wish) that every person should be saved and understand God’s truth. Our reading for today ends with an exhortation that we should pray free from any anger in our hearts. How is your relationship with authority? Are you quick to criticise when you see things you believe to be wrong, or do you pray for those carrying the responsibility of leadership? 

Prayer response:

1. Repent of any times you have been quick to criticise rather than pray for those in authority. Commit to being a person who chooses prayer over criticism.
2. On a city level, we are governed by the mayor, Counsellor Solly Msimanga, his mayoral committee and the rest of the city council. Pray for them that God would grant them the wisdom to lead us well and that they would govern justly. Pray that He would cause their hearts to be filled with love for the people. Also, pray that they would be saved and would grow in their knowledge of God’s truth.
3. Write a note of encouragement to one person in authority of whom you have been critical in the past, sharing with them your commitment to uphold them in prayer. This can be someone in government, at work, church or any other leader.

*Pray for the salvation of those on your prayer list.