1 Timothy 2:1-2

One reason to pray for leaders is that everyone may live peaceful lives

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

In these 2 verses Paul says that prayer should be made for everyone, especially for kings and all those in authority. To the believers in the first century, the instructions to prayer for rulers and kings was just remarkable. This is because the believers were being persecuted. It will be difficult to pray for your adversaries, but they did.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Actually praying for rulers was not something new. In the book of Jeremiah the prophet had urged the believers in exile to pray for Babylon’s peace and prosperity. And so the early Christians carried on this tradition. One reason to pray for leaders is that everyone may live peaceful lives. When the nation we live in is free of war and unrest, then we live peacefully. This is a basic benefit.

And so we should pray for the leaders, inside the church, as well as outside the church. We are to pray for all leaders. Whether they are in business, politics or church, leaders need our prayer. We must pray for them to make good decisions because their decisions have a direct impact on our lives. Their good decisions and governance will help establish peace in the nation. Pray for wisdom so that whatever they do will be right and good. Pray that the fear of God to be in their hearts so that they will shun wrong and do good.

I believe that when we pray, God will tear down the walls that have been erected to cause hatred and division. Instead He will erect walls of safety and security around our nation. Then we will live peacefully in this country which we all love very much.
So let us pray unceasingly for everyone.