30 Ways To Pray For People In Authority

I was preaching outside of Washington DC this past week and saw a pamphlet with the above title. After looking over it I realized I am doing much about those in authority such as fighting against bad legislation, trying to get good legislation passed, and trying to get bad people out of office and good people in. While all of that is good and necessary it is not what I am commanded to do in Scripture. I believe firmly that I am to be a part of the process but my greatest Scriptural admonition is to pray for those in authority. Let us not stop trying to win at the ballot box and certainly in the legislature but let's do what we are commanded to do and that is pray. Here is the pamphlet I saw written by Gary Bergel, former president of Intercessors for America.

30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority
by Gary Bergel

Scripture instructs us to pray for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), but how do we do that, exactly? Here are 30 ways to pray for our leaders-our judges,educators, police chiefs, school board members, military officers, elected officials. and others who serve our country by leading. By doing this, you are standing in the gap, intervening between God and those in authority.

1. That they be God fearing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act (Prov 9:10)

2. That they be granted wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Jas. 1:5)

3. That they be presented with the gospel and a living Christian witness (Rom 10:14)

4. That if unsaved, they be drawn to a saving encounter with Christ; if born-again, they be strengthened and encouraged in their faith (1 Tim 2:4, Eph 1:17-23)

5. That they recognize their own inadequacy and pray and seek the will of God (Prov 3:5-8, 1 Kings 11:9-13)

6. That they be convicted of sin, transgressions, and iniquity (Psa 51:17, John 8:9)

7. The they heed their conscience, confess their sins, and repent (Prov 28:13, Jas 4:8)

8. That they read the Bible and attend prayer meetings and Bible studies (Psa 119:11, Col 3:2)

9. That they value and regard the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ (Psa 19:7-11, John 8:31-32)

10. That they respect and honor their own parents if living (Eph 6:2-3)

11. That they respect authority and practice accountability (Rom 13:1-7)

12. That they be given Godly counsel and God-fearing advisers (Prov 24:6)

13. That they be honest and faithful to spouses and children (Mal 2:15-16)

14. That they be practicing members of local congregations (Heb 10:25)

15. They they desire purity and avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion, and drunkenness (1 Cor 6:9-20, Titus 2:12)

16. That they be timely, reliable, and dependable (Matt 21:28-31)

17. That they be honest in financial, tax and ethical matters (1 Cor 6:10, 1 Tim 6:6-10)

18. That they seek pastoral care and counsel when needed (Heb 13:7)

19. That they seek out and nurture Godly friendships (Psa 1:1-3

20. That they have thankful and teachable spirits (Rom 1:21)

21. That they be generous and have compassionate hearts for the poor and needy (Psa 112:9, 1 Kings 10:33-37)

22. That they redeem their time and know priorities (Eph 5:15-17)

23. That they desire honest, integrity, and loyalty (Psalm 26, Prov 11:3)

24. That they have courage to resist manipulation, pressure, and the fear of man (Prov 29:25, 2 Tim 1:7)

25. That they be shielded from occultism, New Age cults, false religions, and secret societies (Isa 1:29, 2:6)

26. That they be presented with Biblical world views and principles (Eph 3:10)

27. That they endeavor to restore the sanctity of life, families, divine order and morality in our nation (Eph 5:22-6:4)

28. That they would work to reverse the trends of humanism in our nation (1 Chron 12:32, Isa 59:19)

29. That they desire humility and meekness and be willing to serve and cooperate (John 13:14, Titus 3:1-2)

30. That they be prepared to give account to Almighty God (Heb 9:27)

Adapted from "Intercessors for America" newsletter