March 1, 2022 — Praying for Leaders: That they will Lead by Following

“Seems to me,” I said to Stan one morning while we waited for our breakfast, “that the leaders of our country need a lot of prayer.”

“Not only the country,” Stan replied, “but for all who are in any position of authority in towns, cities, counties, states, whatever. The apostle Paul wrote about that in his first letter to his friend Timothy.”

“What’d he write?” I asked.

“To pray for all who are in authority,” Stan said.

“What do you think I should pray about?” I asked.

“Lots of things,” Stan replied, “but it seems to me that a good place to start is to pray that they will lead by following.”

“Lead by following? Following what?”

“Jesus,” Stan replied. “As disciples.”

“Oh,” I said, “like in the three steps of discipleship. Get out of God’s way by denying self, taking up what He has for them to take up, and following Him however, wherever, and whenever He leads. Is that it?”

“That’s it, my friend,” Stan replied. “Can you imagine the difference that would happen if the leaders chose to lead by following in that way?”

“I can,” I said. “And that’s what I’m going to pray for them, that they will lead by following the lead of God.”

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Bible verses fo consider:

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, that you lead me in how to pray for all people, especially those you have placed in positions of authority. I confess that too often I do not pray for such leaders because I disagree with how they are leading. Please forgive that foolishness. I do pray for them that they will lead by following you, that they will lead as disciples, having denied what they want to do apart from you and that they will do what you have for them to do while following your lead. Please help me in following every step of your lead in praying for those who are in authority. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Think on this: Do you pray for those in authority? If no, why? Do you believe that God wants us to pray for them? Why or why not? Can you visualize what it would be like for all of the leaders to lead by following what God has for them to follow? Pray for it!