LEADERS AND THOSE IN AUTHORITY

1/6/2026

1 Timothy 2:1–2

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

With everything happening around us—the conflict between Hamas and Israel, Russia and Ukraine, and the recent United States military situation involving Venezuela—it is becoming increasingly clear that we cannot simply hope our leaders will do the right thing without the intervention of a praying Church.

God has given us a solemn responsibility to pray for leaders and those in authority. It is important to understand this truth: it is impossible to genuinely pray for leaders while maintaining a critical or contemptuous spirit toward them. Prayer and criticism cannot coexist.

It makes no difference whether or not you agree with their politics, their policies, or whether you voted for them. You do not have to like them or agree with them in order to function in your office as a praying priest. You pray because God commands you to pray.

Just as a car fulfills its purpose regardless of who is behind the wheel, so we are to fulfill our responsibility to pray regardless of who occupies positions of authority. Remember the words of Jesus in John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”When you pray for leaders, you are declaring your love and obedience to Christ.

Think about it this way: leaders must be precious and significant to God’s divine plan for Him to specifically instruct the Church to pray for them. Our prayers help create conditions for peace, godliness, order, and righteous progress.

Today, be intentional. Invest time praying for political leaders in your nation—especially your local leaders. Learn their names and pray for them individually and specifically.

Prayer Points

• Pray for presidents, governors, mayors, legislators, council members, police officers, and all those in authority that they will not be beholden to special interest groups and lobbyist whose interest is anti Christ.

• Pray that God will cause our leaders to yield to righteous and godly counsel.

• Pray that leaders will govern with the fear of the Lord in their hearts.

• Pray for legislation, policies, and reforms that improve lives and make room for righteous causes to advance.

Faith-Filled Confession

I am grateful for those whom God has placed in positions of leadership. I will walk in honor and not rebellion toward godly authority. I commit to praying for my leaders, and I believe that God will use them to promote His righteous purposes in my community.