Prayer for Those in Authority

1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority… This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Our key text today instructs us to pray particularly for those in authority.  Those in authority are there because God put them there.   In Daniel 2:21 we read that God “…changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.”  Romans 13:1 says; “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”

The Holy Spirit had given Daniel understanding, it is the God of providence, by whom kings reign and princes decree justice.  It is the inspiration of the Almighty God that gives men understanding, He enables them to acquire knowledge and use that knowledge in a right and humble manner.

This truth is so powerfully displayed as we take time to consider the purpose of the writings of First and Second Kings.  These two Books of Scripture record the history of kingdom rulers, some were of noble God fearing character, most misruled and expressed a willful unrepentant heart in their failure to follow God’s commandments.

Obedience is met with blessing, and disobedience with punishment and chastening.  Throughout the times of the kings and judges when God wanted to bless His people He raised up righteous leaders.  On the other hand, when God wanted to bring chastisements, He raised up a wicked leader, either from among His people or from another nation to take them into oppression.

Christian intercessors, with the same illumination as Daniel, will ask the Lord to raise up leaders like Hezekiah. This leader, “trusted the Lord… he kept the commands of the Lord.  …the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.” (2 Kings 18:5-7)

Pray for those in Authority!