PRAYER FOR GOVERNMENT
As shakings occur across our political and economic, the scriptural exhortation from 1 Timothy 2 to pray for our governments and those in authority becomes increasingly vital. Below are scriptural references for your benefit to pray for those in authority.
GOD'S RULE OVER NATIONS
Psalm 22:28- For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S: and He rules over the nations.
Psalm 46:8-10 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
“Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Isaiah 41:2
“Who has aroused one from the east
Whom He calls in righteousness to His feet?
He delivers up nations before him
And subdues kings.
He makes them like dust with his sword,
As the wind-driven chaff with his bow.
Job 12:23-25- He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations and guides them. He takes away the understanding of the chiefs of the people of the earth, and makes them wander in pathless wilderness. They grope in the dark without light, and He makes them stagger lik a drunken man.
Acts 17:26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,
Psalm 22:28- For the kingdom [is] the LORD'S: and He rules over the nations.
Psalm 46:8-10 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
Who has wrought desolations in the earth.
He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;
He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;
He burns the chariots with fire.
“Cease striving and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Isaiah 41:2
“Who has aroused one from the east
Whom He calls in righteousness to His feet?
He delivers up nations before him
And subdues kings.
He makes them like dust with his sword,
As the wind-driven chaff with his bow.
Job 12:23-25- He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations and guides them. He takes away the understanding of the chiefs of the people of the earth, and makes them wander in pathless wilderness. They grope in the dark without light, and He makes them stagger lik a drunken man.
Acts 17:26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation,
OUR CALL TO PRAY
1 Timothy 2:1-4- I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Chronicles 7:14- If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Jeremiah 29:7- And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
Daniel 2:20-23 - Daniel answered and said, "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his, and He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's demand."
1 Peter 2:17- Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Titus 3:1-2- Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
Matthew 12:25- And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Romans 13:1-14- Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Love Your Neighbor
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Put on Christ
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
1 Timothy 2:1-4- I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peacable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Chronicles 7:14- If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Jeremiah 29:7- And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.
Daniel 2:20-23 - Daniel answered and said, "Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his, and He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's demand."
1 Peter 2:17- Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Titus 3:1-2- Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.
Matthew 12:25- And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Romans 13:1-14- Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. Love Your Neighbor
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Put on Christ
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
PRAYER FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY:
Whether we agree with those who are in leadership or not, we are called to pray for them. Good leadership in the Bible was characterized by wisdom, righteousness, and right alignment with the Lord, integrity in word and action, humility through servanthood, and unity amongst the brethren and advisors.
WISDOM
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
Proverbs 9:10–11
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.
Proverbs 11:14, (also Proverbs 15:22)
Where there is no counsel, the people fall, But in the multitude of counselors, there is safety.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Proverbs 11:11
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
INTEGRITY
Proverbs 10:9
He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Psalm 78:72
So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart,
And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
Titus 2:7-8
In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
HUMILITY
True leadership is about serving others and watching out for their well-being.
Matthew 23:11
But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Mark 10:43
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
Philippians 2:3-4
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
1 Timothy 3:13
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
UNITY
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Titus 1:5
For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.
Whether we agree with those who are in leadership or not, we are called to pray for them. Good leadership in the Bible was characterized by wisdom, righteousness, and right alignment with the Lord, integrity in word and action, humility through servanthood, and unity amongst the brethren and advisors.
WISDOM
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.
Proverbs 9:10–11
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.
Proverbs 11:14, (also Proverbs 15:22)
Where there is no counsel, the people fall, But in the multitude of counselors, there is safety.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
RIGHTEOUSNESS
Proverbs 11:11
By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
Proverbs 16:12
It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness,
For a throne is established by righteousness.
Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Timothy 2:15
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
INTEGRITY
Proverbs 10:9
He who walks with integrity walks securely,
But he who perverts his ways will become known.
Proverbs 11:3
The integrity of the upright will guide them,
But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
Psalm 78:72
So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart,
And guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
Titus 2:7-8
In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
HUMILITY
True leadership is about serving others and watching out for their well-being.
Matthew 23:11
But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Mark 10:43
Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.
Philippians 2:3-4
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
1 Timothy 3:13
For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
UNITY
Proverbs 11:14
Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD,
He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Titus 1:5
For this reason, I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you.
