Praying for your country's leaders, even when you disagree
People talk a lot about leaders, often to criticize them. We rarely pray for them. Yet the Bible asks for it clearly, even at a time when rulers were hostile to Christians. This quest invites you to take that step.
What it looks like in your day
Praying for leaders doesn't depend on your party, your vote or your opinion of their policies. You can deeply disagree with someone and still pray sincerely for them. Here are a few ways to structure your prayer:
- For their wisdom. “Lord, give them discernment for difficult decisions.”
- For their justice. “May the laws protect the most vulnerable.”
- For their health and their family. They are people, with children, weariness, bereavements.
- For their heart. “May they meet you, or be close to you if they already know you.”
- For the peace of the country. “May we be able to live in tranquility.”
You can choose a name (the head of state, your city's mayor, a member of parliament) or pray for the office in general. If you are short on time, make use of the morning news: when an item about the government comes up, turn it into a ten-second prayer. If you are shy about putting it into words, simply use: “Lord, I entrust to you those who lead.”
What the Bible says
Paul writes to a young church leader, at a time when the Roman emperor was not exactly friendly:
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Notice two things. First, prayer is for “all men”, and especially for kings and those in authority. Second, the aim is concrete: that we may live a peaceable life. It is not only for them, it is also for the common good.
In the book of Proverbs, we find a striking image:
“The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”
This doesn't mean that God approves of everything leaders do, but that he remains sovereign, including over those who don't know him. You can pray with this hope.
And the prophet Jeremiah writes to the exiles in Babylon, in a foreign city, to seek the good of that city:
“And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”
Paul also affirms that authorities are appointed by God (Romans 13:1), which doesn't mean they are always right, but that they have a role to play.
Pitfalls to avoid
Praying for your side to win. Prayer is not a ballot. Don't ask God to “prove your party right”: ask him for wisdom for those who decide.
Praying with contempt. You can very well use a prayer to settle scores: “Lord, open his eyes, so he finally understands how stupid he is.” That is not prayer, it is gossip addressed to heaven.
Losing interest in public life. Praying doesn't excuse you from getting informed, voting, getting involved if you are called to. But the order matters: prayer first, so that action is not guided by anger.
Abstaining out of disgust. Some tell themselves: “They don't deserve my prayer.” But we don't pray for what people deserve. We pray because God loves this world and those who lead it.
Today, name before God one person with a public responsibility in your country. Ask him for wisdom and justice for them. Five lines are enough.