Here at Family Research Council, we have been reading through Carter Conlon’s book It’s Time to Pray. Prayer has been a focus at FRC since the beginning, but we are renewing that focus this year. In Conlon’s book, he highlights stories of how people’s lives have been changed by prayer. He shows us how people live out the verse in James: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (5:16).
We as Christians in the United States should be praying for our leaders in authority over us. In the book of 1 Timothy, we are told to pray for our leaders: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, 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.” We need to pray that our leaders will have wisdom (Proverbs 3:13) and will surround themselves with counsellors (Proverbs 15:22). Here are some great scripture passages to pray over our leaders from the book of Proverbs:
- Lord, may our leaders guide our nation in what is right, just, and fair (1:3).
- May they understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God (2:5).
- Above all, may our leaders trust in God with all their heart and not lean on their own understanding (3:5).
- As they interact with those around them, may they avoid all perverse talk and a deceitful mouth (4:24).
- Lord, may our leaders not be afraid of sudden disaster (3:25) and make wise decisions in the face of a disaster.
- As our leaders make both life and political decisions, may they ponder the path of their feet (4:26).
- I pray that our leaders will not be wise in their own eyes, but fear the Lord and turn away from evil (3:7).
- Lord, may they find favor and understanding in the sight of God and man (3:4).
- As our leaders make national and local decisions, may they listen to wisdom and be secure without fear of evil (1:33).
- May our leaders do their work pure and right (20:11).
- Thank you, Father for those that you have placed in authority over us. May you remind us to pray for them and never give up remembering that our leader’s hearts are turned by you and you turn them however you please (21:1). Amen.
It is our duty as Christians to respect the authority over us (Romans 13:1-7). I think we would have an easier time respecting those in authority if we prayed for our leaders on a daily basis. Prayer, as small of a task and as insignificant as many think it to be, can change the world. If more Christians would daily, hourly, and without ceasing pray for our leaders, our nation and the world would be a different place.
Peyton Holliday is an intern at Family Research Council.