You’ve probably heard it said before that it is important to pray for our leaders. Maybe you regularly pray for your leaders at church or at home. Do you sometimes feel that praying for our leaders is hard because you don’t see eye to eye with the way they are leading? The truth is . . . we may not get to choose our leader or their position on the issues we care about, but we can choose to cover them in prayer.

The Bible tells us several times how and why we should cover our leaders in prayer. Let’s dig into God’s Word and take a look at some verses to help us teach our children this important, biblical habit.

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What Does the Bible Say About Praying for Our Leaders?

When it comes to praying for our leaders, 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV) gives us direct instruction. 

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT

Our leaders need God’s help. All of them. It’s important to remember that God is not surprised by flawed individuals in high places. This has been a reality since Adam and Eve chose their own way in the garden. He knows our presidents and kings and queens are broken. So much so that He gave His son to bring redemption and provide hope for our eternal security. In the meantime, He asks us to pray for our leaders, our loved ones, our neighbors, and ourselves. Because even though our flaws aren’t on display for the world to see, they are still there. And so we pray, for God to reveal areas where we have not represented His love to the world around us. We all need His mercy. When we realize just how imperfect we ourselves are, we are humbled to offer deeper supplication for the imperfect men and women who lead us.

Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT

When we pray for our leaders we take part in advancing God’s kingdom on this earth. Here are some of the ways to pray for those in leadership that can impact God’s influence on the earth:

• Pray for our leaders’ salvation and/or heart change. 
• Pray for wisdom in making good decisions according to God’s leading.
• Pray that their decisions and influence have a positive impact on our families, cities, churches, laws, schools, and more.

 

Romans 13:1 acknowledges that those who are in positions of power may have been allowed there by God for a specific purpose. When we pray for them, we are praying that God’s will be done. 

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Romans 13:1 ESV

And while we pray, it is important to remember that our leaders face spiritual battles and opposition that they may not be aware of. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV

If our leaders do not have a biblical worldview, we can pray for their minds to align with God’s Word. Rather than complain or be angry, we can fight through the power of prayer. 

RELATED POST: When You Don’t Know What To Do Or Say . . . Pray

Our leaders need God’s wisdom and to be covered in prayer. Especially in the midst of an election year or transition of leadership. The simple act of praying for our leaders can help them step into God’s will for their lives, and ultimately the people they serve.

Our kids may not understand the heaviness of all that goes on in politics and with political parties and leaders, but they can grasp that the world needs our prayers—our communities, our cities, our nation, and its leaders . . . and that prayer is the most powerful way we can fight for what’s right according to the will of God. 

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Want to teach your kids how and why we pray?

Click HERE to read about the power of prayer and find out about our latest Minno Life Guide.