A prayer for leaders
by Pastor Reid Matthias
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I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone (1 Timothy 2:1).
Paul has an amazing relationship with a young leader in the early church. We read how much he appreciates him as his ‘true son in the faith’. Taking him under his wing, Paul urges Timothy to prioritise certain expressions of faith, especially these four things:
Petitions, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving – this is first and foremost in Paul’s mind for Timothy.
Petition for all those who are in authority.
Pray for all those in authority.
Offer intercessions for those in authority.
Give thanks for those in authority.
I have to be honest with you. This is really hard. I usually pray for myself and those closest to me. I tend to let God know I’ve got a checklist of people I want him to take care of. Every once in awhile, though, my prayers might give a cursory acknowledgement to governments and other leaders, but intercessions? Petitions? Thanksgiving?
Guilty as charged, Your Honour.
But here is the important part and what I think Paul is getting at. When we pray for all those in authority, we can expect that tranquillity and peace, as well as that godliness and dignity for all humans, might follow.
Dear reader, my true sister and brother in the faith, may grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord be with you.
Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus Christ, I want to pray on behalf of our Australian government, that they might work together for the good of all people. I pray for them, that you protect them from the evil one and that they experience your goodness. I pray for our leaders that they work as one to battle the fear and separation of disease and strife. I thank you, Jesus Christ, for those who have been elected. Bless them today. Amen.
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