Day 1: Praying for Leaders at Every Level
How do we intercede for our leaders? We pray God’s will, as described in His Word, back to Him. Regardless of whether we like or agree with any particular leader, we pray for them out of obedience to God.
Pray along these lines:
That all leaders would know and serve Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour;
That God would give them His wisdom, and that each leader would operate in His wisdom;
That each leader would flee from evil and embrace only righteousness;
That godly leaders would stand boldly and courageously in the face of evil; and
That God would prevent leaders from working wickedness in our nation, but would help them to bear godly fruit in their lives and governmental service.
Scripture Reference:
1 TIMOTHY 2: 1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Even if a particular leader is not exhibiting any of the traits above right now, we can change that reality through our prayers.
Sample Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in Jesus’ name. Father, I thank You for hearing my prayer today. Thank You that You sit above the circle of the earth as the Judge and Redeemer of mankind and nations. You are great, and You are worthy to be praised. Father God, I lift my voice and cry to You right now for Your help and justice in my nation.
May You wake up the conscience of our politicians in Austria. Let Your Holy Spirit convict them of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Show them Jesus so clearly that they cannot deny He exists. Grant them a deep repentance. Help them bend the knee to Jesus, making Him the Lord and Saviour of their lives!
Father, I ask You to give us righteous leaders.
Give us people who will serve You at every level of government, from every federal office to every local school board. Give us the people whom You want in office—those who will serve this nation and her people well. Let Your righteous leaders stand boldly for You, Father, and give them influence. Let them win every battle by the power of Your might, as You and Your Spirit fight for them.
Father God, I also pray that You would give our leaders wisdom. Teach them to walk in Your ways. Disciple them personally, Father. Bind and prevent them from doing anything that is not Your will, but help them to carry out everything that IS Your will on the earth.
Thank You, Father. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. We depend on You to give us righteous leaders and a righteous government. Let all people rise up and vote Your will, but I pray that You would do the rest which we cannot.
Thank You, Abba Father. Thank You for Your help. I love You, and I give You all the praise. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
*Paraphrased and Adapted from 7 Prayers for Your Nation by Jamie Rohrbaugh.