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Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Those in Authority, looks at how prayer for leaders is essential for the kingdom of God.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: Those in Authority
We have reached a time in history when we need to pray for people in leadership positions as never before. Strong and courageous authority figures, who are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, are needed as we move closer to the end of the ages. But do we complain about the leaders around us? Or do we pray for them?
First, it must be understood that God created everything and He alone holds it all together. God never shakes his head in fear or wonders about the people who lead. Every person has a purpose and plan from Father God and even if they turn from Him and His ways, He can work all things for good. We’ve been called onto the dance floor of life to flow with God, but He allows us the option to refuse. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 ESV
We may not always understand why leaders can be ineffective or greedy or even evil, but God’s ways and thoughts are above ours. We are to pray and believe.
We’ll focus on four types of leaders:
- In families- which can include parents, grandparents, and guardians of children.
- In business-owners, chief executive officers, managers, administration, shift leaders, and trainers.
- In churches or ministries-pastors, teachers, evangelists, ministers, administration, small group leaders, and chief executive officers.
- In government-kings, queens, presidents, senators, governors, representatives, ambassadors, prime ministers, chancellors, or mayors.
So many types of authorities around the world. Some kind, others cruel, many good, and many wicked. But God has a word regarding our prayer role when it comes to regular people and leaders.
I Timothy 2: 1-4 says: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” ESV
How do we pray?
We start with the phrase “all people.” No picking and choosing according to gender, race, position, or whether a person is what we consider good or evil. God will place a person or leader on our hearts and we pray. We can also lift any leaders in our country, church, business, or family to the Lord. God even tells us in verse one what kind of prayers: supplications or humble pleadings, prayers, intercession or standing in the gap, and thanksgiving. So, we plead, pray, intercede, and then are thankful that God hears.
When we pray for people sincerely, whether we agree with them or not, God changes us. Wow. Those we pray for have the choice to change but I don’t believe anyone can truly intercede for another and leave unchanged. God said it helps us to lead a peaceful and quiet life with dignity. And it is good and pleasing to Him. Why? Because He wants to see everyone saved and living in truth. Including us.
Specific prayers can include:
- Following God closely or for salvation for the leader.
- For health and well-being: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
- That their conduct would be pure and above reproach.
- For wisdom and discernment in their decision-making.
- A good work ethic and the ability to persevere.
- For a servant’s heart and attitude toward others.
- To display the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
We pray for the president and mothers. Kings, queens, and fathers. CEOs in business and pastors. With the rise in terrorism, disease, immoral living, and just plain chaos, leaders today need God’s wisdom and guidance every day, even every minute.
Let’s pray: Father God, we lift our leaders to you. Those in the family, business, church, ministry, and government. They all need You whether they know it or not. Save them, heal them, give them wisdom and a servant’s heart to serve others. Give us daily doses of Your love to help us with the people we lead. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
We are human and leaders can upset and aggravate us. But we are still called to pray. Sometimes, I have to ask God for the willingness to pray for those I don’t understand. He still hears my every word.
Today’s featured author is me, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father.When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she loves.
Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–hijack Jessie’s dream wedding?
Learn more at jenniferhallmark.com/books
Next week, we’ll focus specifically on those in authority in the church and ministries. Until then, stay determined to dance…
Links:
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Remember: Praying for Others: Those in Authority
Video of the week:
I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.
