by: Creflo Dollar
Sometimes we can become so used to our usual prayer routines and requests that we let certain prayer guidelines that have been outlined in the Bible slip. One of those guidelines is the instruction to pray for those in authority. Many times, we complain about leaders and those in government, but God has called us to pray for these people so that our lives can be blessed. Praying for our president, congress, and all those in positions of authority is our God-given responsibility.
The book of First Timothy, Chapter 2, begins with some very specific instructions from the Apostle Paul. As Believers, we can also take these instructions to be for us. Verses 1-2 say, “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.” Interestingly, he says that the first order of business when it comes to our prayer life should be praying for others. This is something that often falls by the wayside because we can easily become consumed with our own needs and concerns. However, I believe the principle of seedtime and harvest is in operation when we obey Paul’s directive. When we pray for God to get involved in others’ lives, we actually reap a harvest of His involvement in our lives. We can never go wrong when it comes to praying for other people.
Not only does Paul say we should pray for all men, but he tells us that we should enlist a variety of prayers for people. Supplications, intercessions, and thanksgiving are three different types of prayers that have different purposes. Supplication is an urgent request that is intent and direct in purpose, intercession is standing in the gap for others so that God can intervene in their situations, and thanksgiving is characterized by prayers of praise to God for His goodness. When it comes to praying for people, these are three types of prayers that we should be mindful to pray regularly.
God wants us to pray for those in authority because our prayers can play a role in shaping the decisions, policies, and activities of the people who rule our lands. I don’t know about you, but as a Christian I want to see the hand of God move in our nation. I often say that every failure is a prayer failure. When we don’t pray for those in authority, we set our leaders up to fail. Many of them are not Christians, but God can still work through them to achieve His ultimate purposes when we pray and intercede for them. Even as it relates to supplication, we can earnestly and intensely pray for God to get involved with the decisions leaders are going to make so that our nation can stay on course with the will and plan of God.
Some people think that their prayers don’t make a difference, particularly when they see so much immorality and hopelessness around them, but the Word of God says otherwise. Second Chronicles 7:14 says, “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.” Prayer plays a role in getting God involved with the affairs of a nation of people and bringing healing. Included in the prayers that we should pray for our nation, should be prayers for those in authority. The power of prayer can turn situations and circumstances around that seem hopeless.
If you haven’t been praying for your nation’s leaders, now is the time to start. We are living in times of great stress, crisis, and danger. We need to cover our president, vice president, congress, military, and all other men and women in positions of leadership and authority with our prayers. In doing so, we ensure that we live peacefully and in safety. As we make leadership a priority during our prayer times, God will honor our obedience in this area. Change is one prayer away!
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