Be.Loved. 25 Simple Acts of Love to Change a LifeSample

Day 9: Reach out to a civic leader and let him or her know you are praying for him or her

“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.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Imagine you are in a position where you are asked to please everyone, all of the time. Or, maybe this is you. You are in the limelight, and everyone is watching—and criticizing—your every move. That is often the life of those in civic leadership who typically get calls only when people are critiquing their decisions and platforms, or advocating a cause they hope the leader will promote. 

But the Bible tells us that those in leadership have been placed there under the sovereign hand of God. It also beckons us to lift them up in prayer—whether we agree with them or not. We lift our civic leaders up, asking for God’s hand to be upon them, and for His work to be made manifest through them. 

As we obey the command of scripture, we can also encourage our leaders through that. Likely, not many receive notes of prayer and encouragement as they make critical decisions each day, or even as they live out the sometimes mundane tasks which are part of their jobs. 

Today, call or email one civic leader in your area and let him or her know you are praying for him or her and are grateful God put that person in that position of influence. Tell the person specifically what you are praying for and list a few things that you appreciate about his or her leadership and/or character. 

Reflect on how you felt doing this, and how you might continue to encourage this person and others in the days and weeks to come.