Week 3 || Day 1
PRAYER FOCUS: LEADERS
As believers, most of us understand that we are called to pray at all times. And perhaps you’ve heard that it is important to pray for your leaders. In some instances we chose our leaders; in others, we didn’t. In either case, however, we can choose to cover them in prayer.
The Bible tells us in a few places how and why we should cover our leaders in prayer. When it comes to praying for our leaders, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) gives us direct instruction:
"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT)
Our leaders need God’s help. Each and every one of them. While flawed people in places of authority can frustrate us, it isn’t a shock to God that leaders are imperfect. This has been the case since Adam and Eve chose their own way in the garden. God knows our presidents and kings and queens are broken. He knows our pastors are no less in need of prayer.
And even when our leaders’ flaws aren’t on public display, they are still there. So we pray for God to reveal areas where His will is not being fully represented to the world around us. We pray for our leaders’ purity and private lives. We pray for our leaders’ decisions. We pray for mercy for our leaders and we pray that God would direct them.
We recognize that we are all in need of God’s mercy. When we realize just how imperfect we ourselves are, we are humbled to offer deeper prayers for the imperfect men and women who lead us.
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
Prayer is not passive! When we pray for each of our leaders we are taking part in advancing the kingdom of God here on Earth.
Romans 13:1 acknowledges that those who are in positions of authority may have been allowed there by God for a specific purpose. When we pray for them, we are praying that God’s will would be done.
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1 ESV)
It is also important for us to remember, as we pray, that our leaders face spiritual battles that they may not be aware of.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
If our leaders do not make their decisions based on the Bible, we can still pray for their minds to align with God’s Word. We don’t have to complain; we can fight with the power of prayer.
Illustration: Years ago, when Samuel was leading the youth group at a different church, he called me to ask my opinion on a matter. The youth team was wanting to include a specific, secular song in one of their programs and it didn’t sit right with me as I prayed about it. Samuel had called me on speakerphone with his team present and after I had given my opinion, he chose another direction.
I was so upset about the entire situation. I remember feeling frustrated, thinking that the Holy Spirit had been so clear with me. I confronted Samuel about the matter and attempted to get him to change his mind. It did not work, no matter how much I told him the Holy Spirit was clear with me. I kept prodding and poking and pushing and berating. (How very holy of me, I know.)
Finally, weeks later, after a rather silly outburst from me in which Samuel reiterated his stance, I chose to pray about it. I asked that God would direct Samuel and that He would allow me to step out of the matter so that Samuel could clearly hear from Him and not be manipulated by my complaining. I asked that if it was God’s will that the song not be used that He would make it clear to Samuel. I asked for forgiveness for my pride in the matter and I asked for a softened heart toward Samuel. I also asked for a heart to pray for him as a leader.
God was so faithful. As soon as I turned to Him in prayer about the situation, my heart softened and I knew that, no matter the outcome, my heart was at peace knowing God was at work in both Samuel and myself.
The funny thing is, only hours after that prayer, Samuel came home and said He had strongly felt God lead him to change the song selection. While the outcome in this situation pleased both of us, the more important thing was me humbling myself to offer prayer for a leader (even if it was also my spouse). Our prayers will not always be answered our way (and most are not!). However, God will move in our leaders lives if we allow Him to convict and correct, instead of our berating.
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Kids SEEK, too!
Note to caretakers: As you pray, ask your kids to pray as well. Do your best to use the words that they use. This helps them to feel present and heard in prayer as they are learning to seek God.
Kids’ Illustration: Lacey wanted to pray for her teachers! One day, God gave her a clever idea! With her parents’s help, she opened up a webpage that showed her school from the sky. She took time to pray for safety for her teachers and principal. Then they moved the map to the town hall and Lacey and her parents prayed over their community and mayor. Lacey realized that, even though she didn’t know what the outcome of her prayers were, praying them helped her heart grow toward the leaders in her life.
Kids’ Activities for Today’s Prayer Focus:
Each day, pray for …
Monday – Teachers & Coaches (by name)
Tuesday – Local Government of Mayor and City Council (by name)
Wednesday – Pastor and Spiritual Teachers (by name)
Thursday – National Government of President, Congress, and Supreme Court (by name)
Friday – law Enforcement & Firefighters (by name)
EXAMPLE PRAYER: Dear Lord, I pray for _______________ and _____________ to lead a life that is worthy of You Lord. I pray that _______________ and ________________ will please You in every way, God. I pray that ____________ and ________________ will want to grow to know You better, God. I pray that _________ and _____________ will never give up and be joyful, God (based on Colossians 1:10-11).
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Bible:
"I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT)
“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1 ESV)
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)
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Quotes for Today:
“It is a great privilege, as well as our responsibility, to pray for our government leaders.” - Billy Graham
“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.” - D. L. Moody
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Points to Ponder:
Here are some of the ways to pray for those in leadership:
Pray for our leaders’ salvation and/or heart change.
Pray for wisdom in making good decisions according to God’s leading.
Pray that leaders’ decisions and influence have a positive impact on our families, cities, churches, laws, schools, and more.
Pray for our pastors - their leadership, their relationship with God, their families, and that they would correctly handle the Word of truth that has been entrusted to them.
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CLOSING PRAYER: Dear God, All authority is Yours, but You have given authority to leaders to protect and guide us. Today, we ask that You would give all our leaders wisdom, discernment, strength, and resolve. Keep them healthy, safe, and rested so that they can guide us.
Heavenly Father, we pray that our president and leaders will honor You and respect You as the One and only True God. We ask that You give us government leaders who will pray for Your Will and guidance. Lord, we ask that You pour out Your Spirit on this nation to help each of us discern good from evil, not as the eyes of man but through spiritual eyes. Lord, we ask that You humble our hearts so that we will be a nation filled with gratitude and thankfulness.
Likewise, give our spiritual leaders Your discernment on how to meet people’s needs as they continue to glorify Your name and encourage and build the Church.
Give our civic leaders inspiration, courage, joy, and strength to meet the needs of their communities.
And help us, as leaders in our communities, to display courage, hope, generosity, and kindness. Would the way we honor others inspire those around us.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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