Theology & Life

“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)

When was the last time you prayed for Joe Biden, the President of the United States of America? When did you last pray for your state’s governor or the senators and representatives? How long has it been since you prayed for your mayor and the city council?

If we’re honest, I think most of us would answer these questions with, “It’s been too long.” We need to pray for those God has put in authority over us, regardless of their political affiliation, age, or character.

For example, I am a conservative, Bible-believing Christian—therefore I oppose virtually everything President Biden stands for. His stance on abortion is vile, his support of the LGBTQ+ agenda is ungodly, and his respectability is severely lacking. Not to mention his anger remains unhindered and he has himself in many suspicious activities (Hunter Biden, anyone?). But none of these things should stop me from earnestly praying for him. When it’s so easy, so tempting, to criticize him—and there are certainly moments when that is fine and fair—we should be praying for him even more.

Perhaps you’re to this point and you want to be more intentional about praying for him and other leaders. What should you pray for? I can think of at least three.

Pray for Their Decision-Making

As much as I dislike Donald Trump, he made important decisions regarding who to put forward on the Supreme Court. In a very real sense, if Trump hadn’t become president, Roe v. Wade wouldn’t have been overturned.

That’s just one example, of course, but we must pray for our leaders to not merely make good decisions, but godly decisions. We want them to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance, not their own. And, again, this is all people in authority—not just the president. We ought to pray that our respective governors would, well, govern well.

There will be things here and there they do, say, or sign into law you don’t agree with, unfortunately. Pray for them. Pray they don’t base a decision on politics or what their preference is, but on what is good and right.

Pray for Their Leadership

There are plenty of leaders who don’t lead well. Though they are in a position of authority, they simply are unqualified to be there, whether for incompetence, character, or anything in between. We must pray that our leaders—in every position—truly lead.

This means when there is a crisis, citizens should be able to have the utmost confident in their leader, knowing full well that he or she will execute the appropriate plan to ensure the good of the people. It is our responsibility as Christians to pray for them, to pray they lead well during a catastrophe, during a tragedy, during a, well, pandemic. Leadership literally comes with the job.

Pray for Their Salvation

Above all else, we must pray that our leaders, those who are in “high positions,” know Jesus Christ. More often than not, it’s very evident that a ruler in authority doesn’t truly know Jesus Christ, whether that’s by policy decisions, character, or support of something contrary to God’s Word. It is our responsibility as Christians to pray for their salvation more than we criticize them.

You’re more likely to see genuine Christians on your city council or perhaps even your governor, depending on where you live. (This is just a general statement, not with anyone in mind.) Of course, if the leader is a Christian, you ought to pray that they make decisions and lead in light of God’s Word—pray that, through this position, they become more like Jesus and reflect the light of Christ. Being in a “high position” comes with much responsibility, and if he or she is a Christian, that responsibility also comes with honoring Jesus.

Quiet and Peaceful Life

There are moments when criticism is necessary. There are times when protest is warranted. There are even instances when defiance is appropriate. But more often than not, we should pray for our leaders and then remain quiet, and leave the results to our God.

Christians can be involved in politics. In fact, I think it’s smart to be. Having a basic knowledge of the political landscape helps us defend the faith and know how to combat current societal “trends” with the Word of God.

Albert Mohler noted:

As Christians, we do not engage in political action because we believe the conceit that politics is all-important, but neither do we believe the lie that politics is inconsequential.

But far too many Christians are more caught up in the latest political news rather than God’s Word. When politics interests us more than church, reading Scripture, and the like, there’s a big problem. The Bible tells us to pray for our leaders so we can live a quiet and peaceful life. Practically, this might mean stop watching so much Fox News or checking the latest political news on Twitter (or X?). Perhaps it means not worrying so much about who won a Republican primary debate and spend more time checking on church members.

Christian, pray for your leaders. Pay attention to politics, but don’t let it consume you. Above all, remain quiet and peaceful by fixating your gaze on the glory of Jesus, knowing full well He has won the final war.