On Sunday, October 11, 2020 Bishop Coleman shared with me the burden the Lord placed on his heart to start praying more intentionally as a church. We announced that for the remainder of 2020 we would gather together weekly (every Monday night) to pray – especially for our leaders. He asked me to start the night with a prayer for our president and those who govern us.
I started by reading the below scriptures, then the themes that follow.
God’s Word
Romans 13:1-17
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.
6 Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Prayer
Repentance
Lord, forgive us for our lack of prayer and dishonoring attitude regarding those you have appointed to rule and govern us. Forgive us for thinking we know better than you.
Humility
Help us to not think more highly of ourselves than we ought – as if we know exactly what you’re doing right now in our nation. We only see that which is directly in front of us, but you see beyond all we can see.
Help us to trust completely in your sovereign will, even if that plays out differently than what we think, or what makes sense to our limited understanding.
Our Leaders
We pray for the salvation of those who are in leadership. For those who are saved, those who have put their trust in your son Jesus, give them wisdom to govern according to your law. Give them grace to make the hard decisions they need to make, despite the cost of their own reputation.
We pray for President Trump and Vice President Pence. Shower blessings upon them and their families, that they would experience the fullness of grace you have in store for them.
Prophetic Voices
Put people of Kingdom-influence in positions to give prophetic words to our governing authorities. Soften the hearts of our leaders to receive instruction from the Word of the Lord. Silence the voices of the enemy, and allow them to hear from you.
Honor
Lord, help us to respect and give honor to those who lead our nation. Help us (the church) be the model of honor towards those you have appointed; especially those with whom we may disagree. Mold our hearts to truly love them – even if they are evil. For you tell us to love even our enemies, and to pray for those who persecute us.
God’s Glory
May we never forget the glory of Christ (not our own preferences, comfort, or wellbeing) is our priority. May the love of Christ shine through us, and may our witness for His Gospel be a pleasing aroma to you.
We pray these things in Jesus’ Name. Amen!
Please share if you can say AMEN!
