We are called to pray for our nation's leaders - even if we don't like them.
Why?
I can think of several reasons:
But I admit that I am not keen about some of the leaders I see. Like many people, I have my likes and dislikes among the men and women who rule the nations.
Does that mean I am allowed to pray bad things about them? No. Jesus even goes so far as to say that I am to pray even for those who persecute me. (Matthew 5:44)
So then, how should I pray for my nation's leaders?
I like some suggestions made by David Mathis, executive editor of desiringgod.org at http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/seven-ways-to-pray-for-your-leaders.
Mathis says that wisdom is one of the greatest needs of any leader. He suggests we should turn to James 3:17 as a guide for praying for our leaders, specifically church leaders. But they apply as well to our national leaders.
James 3:17 says:
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Touching each one of these qualities, we can ask God that:
We need to pray that God will work on the hearts of those in leadership to demonstrate these qualities.
With God, everything is possible.
Why?
I can think of several reasons:
- We pray for our leaders so that we can lead godly and peaceful lives. (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
- We pray for them because their authority has been given them by God. (Romans 13:1)
- We pray for them because the Lord turns the king's heart wherever God wills. (Proverbs 21:1)
- We pray for them because God rules over the nations, including our leaders. (Psalm 22:8)
But I admit that I am not keen about some of the leaders I see. Like many people, I have my likes and dislikes among the men and women who rule the nations.
Does that mean I am allowed to pray bad things about them? No. Jesus even goes so far as to say that I am to pray even for those who persecute me. (Matthew 5:44)
So then, how should I pray for my nation's leaders?
I like some suggestions made by David Mathis, executive editor of desiringgod.org at http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/seven-ways-to-pray-for-your-leaders.
Mathis says that wisdom is one of the greatest needs of any leader. He suggests we should turn to James 3:17 as a guide for praying for our leaders, specifically church leaders. But they apply as well to our national leaders.
James 3:17 says:
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Touching each one of these qualities, we can ask God that:
- Our leaders be "pure" in the sense that they lead blameless lives;
- Our leaders be "peace-loving" - seek to make peace among the people;
- Our leaders be "considerate" of others, thinking of the welfare of others;
- Our leaders be "submissive" to God in their approach to ruling others;
- Our leaders be "merciful" - a leader who is full of mercy will find followers who are ready to go anywhere for him or her;
- Our leaders yield "good fruit" in their lives - things that benefit the people;
- Our leaders be "impartial" - not making snap judgements without knowing what is true; and
- Our leaders be "sincere" - speaking the truth in gentleness.
We need to pray that God will work on the hearts of those in leadership to demonstrate these qualities.
With God, everything is possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment