Bring up politics, and you are likely to get many opinions on topics, issues, and current situations. Turn on the news or look at social media and there are differing and sometimes heated debates over what to believe, how to vote, and who to support—even among Christians. 

We are currently living in some of the most turbulent, stressful, and anxiety-filled times any of us have ever experienced. Now more than ever, people are looking for direction. Those in office are navigating situations that few of us have ever had the responsibility of carrying. The higher the tensions, the more controversy it seems there is. 

What can we do to assist unity and support those we elected to office? 

We are called to pray for our government and nation. According to the NIV Exhaustive Concordance, variations of the word prayer is used 375 times in the Bible. When Scripture repeats itself, it is to emphasize something or remind us to do something. Prayer is one of the most important things we can do. Through prayer, we get the privilege of communing with God and seeing Him work.  

In Scripture, when we are given a command, we are also given a promise. In, 1 Timothy 2:1-3 it says, “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.” 

 Essentially, by praying for our leaders, God’s word tells us that we will live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. But why is that? 

First, our leaders determine how our country will run. The officials we elect directly impact how our lives function. Their reach can stretch from our religious freedoms to our taxes. When our leaders are obeying God’s will, it is easier for us to live peaceful lives. We want our government leaders to be in tune with the Lord, so that they will make the best choices for us. 

Additionally, our leaders are under tremendous amounts of pressure and stress due to the responsibility they carry. Under normal circumstances, they have to manage public criticism and crises. Now with the pandemic, everything is more complicated and confusing. They need our prayers. 

Scripture tells us, in Mark 12:30-31, that out of all the commandments, there are two most important. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 

When we show love to our neighbors, we then reflect the love of the Lord. It is so important that Jesus, Himself, emphasizes it.

How should we pray for our leaders? 

So how then do we pray for our leaders, and what should we pray for them? 

• Pray that if they don’t already know Jesus as their personal Savior, that they would trust Him for their salvation. 
• If they are a Christian, pray for them that they will follow closely after Christ, using His discernment and wisdom to guide them in their decisions.  
• Ask God to use your leaders in mighty ways for Him. 
• Pray that they would be strong in adversity and ready to seek wise counsel when uncertain of the right decision.
• Pray that they would have empathy and compassion for those who are hurting. 
• Pray for their families and their health as you do your own family’s needs.
• Lastly, ask God for His will to be done through your leader, remembering Luke 1:37, which says, “The Lord God Almighty can do all things; there is nothing impossible for Him.” 

Finally, remember that prayer is our way of communicating with our Creator. He is our Father, and we are His children. He hears our cries, just like we do those of our children. As a parent, when our child cries, they immediately get our attention. As flawed, imperfect humans, we want to help. How much more then will the perfect God of the Universe have compassion on us? Our helplessness reminds us that we do not have control. When we acknowledge that lack of control in prayer, we open the door to see God work! Today, will you invite God to move in the lives of your leaders, trusting Him for the outcome?