Cry Out for Those in Power

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. —1 Timothy 2:1–2

In 1 Timothy we’re told to do something very important—to pray for our nation’s leaders.

Through these verses, we have the privilege of seeing Paul’s tutorial to Timothy. Just as Paul told him to pray for those in authority, we are to do the same. Are we to only pray if we appreciate the way they govern, if we like their political views, or if we agree with their party affiliation? No, God simply tells us to pray.

As a benefit and result of praying for those in authority, we get to live peaceful, godly, and quiet lives. We must put aside our own partisanship and biases to pray for those that God has placed in authority, seeing them as God sees them. He raises up kings and pulls down princes. None of the people serving in our government today come as a surprise to the Lord. He is still on the throne, regardless of what our government looks like.

Whether we appreciate the way our earthly authorities are governing or not, we are to pray for them. May the Lord convict us in this area, widen our vision, enrich our perspective, and quicken our hearts to pray for those who are placed in authority.

Editor’s note: This devotion was adapted from this prayer.

How to Pray

Lord, You change the times and seasons. You remove and raise up kings (Dan. 2:21). I pray for wisdom for those who are in power. I pray for their salvation, for you desire “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). May they become a light for others to see you.

What to Pray

• Pray for your elected officials—for their salvation, for wisdom in their decisions, for them to speak the truth, and for their families.
• Ask the Lord if He is prompting you to pray in a specific way for the governing authorities in your life.
• Whether you agree or disagree with the decisions of those in authority, ask God to give you a heart to see them the way He does and for a desire to pray over their lives.