Topical Bible: King: Prayer For

◄ King: Prayer For ►

Jump to: Nave's • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the role of a king is significant, and the importance of prayer for a king is underscored throughout Scripture. The Bible provides numerous examples and instructions regarding the necessity and impact of praying for those in authority, including kings.

Biblical Examples:

1. Solomon's Prayer for Wisdom:
One of the most notable prayers for a king is Solomon's request for wisdom. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon prays, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?" This prayer highlights the need for divine guidance and wisdom in leadership.

2. Prayers for King David:
King David, a man after God's own heart, often sought the Lord in prayer. In Psalm 72, attributed to Solomon but reflecting Davidic themes, there is a prayer for the king: "Endow the king with Your justice, O God, and the son of the king with Your righteousness" (Psalm 72:1). This prayer emphasizes the desire for righteous and just leadership.

3. Intercession for Kings:
The prophet Samuel interceded for King Saul, despite Saul's disobedience. In 1 Samuel 12:23, Samuel declares, "As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you. And I will continue to teach you the good and right way." This underscores the prophet's commitment to pray for the king, regardless of the king's actions.

Instructions for Prayer:

1. Paul's Exhortation:
The Apostle Paul instructs believers to pray for all those in authority, which includes kings. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity." This passage highlights the importance of praying for leaders to ensure peace and godliness in society.

2. Wisdom and Guidance:
Praying for wisdom and guidance for kings is a recurring theme. James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, which can be applied to praying for leaders: "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."

3. Protection and Prosperity:
Prayers for the protection and prosperity of the king are also found in Scripture. Psalm 20:1-2 states, "May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and sustain you from Zion." Such prayers seek divine favor and protection for the king's reign.

Theological Implications:

Praying for kings and those in authority is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over all earthly rulers. It reflects a trust in God's ultimate control and a desire for His will to be done through human leadership. The act of praying for a king is both a spiritual duty and a means of seeking God's intervention in the affairs of nations. Through prayer, believers participate in God's work, asking for His guidance, wisdom, and protection over those who govern.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 6:10
That they may offer sacrifices of sweet smells to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

1783. enteuxis -- a petition, ie spec. supplication
... yook-sis) Short Definition: a petition, prayer, intercession Definition: (lit:
approaching the king, hence a technical term), a petition, prayer, intercession. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1783.htm - 8k

Library

How Bishop Cedd, Having a Place for Building a Monastery Given Him ...
... How Bishop Cedd, having a place for building a monastery given him by King Etheiwald,
consecrated it to the Lord with prayer and fasting; and concerning his ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap xxiii how bishop cedd.htm

Sweet is the Work, My God, My King
... THE HYMNAL. I. DAILY PRAYER: Morning Daily Prayer: The Lord's Day 44. Sweet is the
work, my God, my King. LM [167]Canonbury: Robert Schumann, 1839. Arr. Psalm 92 ...
/.../daily prayer the lords day 2.htm

The King 'Blessing' his People
... in Him. Then followed, thirdly, this 'Blessing of the Congregation.' The
prayer had been uttered by the kneeling king. Now he stands ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the king blessing his people.htm

I Suspect I have Been Allotting Habitually Too Little Time to ...
... That is not the way in which we can come into communication with heaven's King.
"The goal of prayer is the ear of God," a goal that can only be reached by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vii i suspect i.htm

The Magnificence of Prayer
... "Command Me," the King says to him. ... And, as if that were not enough, that man of
all-prayer is still on his knees. He is "wrestling" on his knees. ...
/.../whyte/lord teach us to pray/i the magnificence of prayer.htm

Prayer for and with Each Other.
... that in prayer the breath of love may quench gently, yet effectually, remaining
egoism, and lead us to the still holier prayer for the heavenly King and His ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xliii prayer for and with.htm

Asa's Prayer
... This King Asa, Rehoboam's grandson, had had a long reign of peace, which the writer
of ... Now, it seems to me that this prayer contains the very essence of what ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/asas prayer.htm

Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord
... Filled with food and excited beyond measure, they would fain make Him king. He flees
from the temptation to secret prayer, for here is the source of His ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/viii prayer incidents in the.htm

Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord (Continued)
... seen how Christ had to flee from the multitude after the magnificent miracle of
feeding the five thousand as they sought to make Him king. Then prayer was His ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/ix prayer incidents in the.htm

Prayer Essential to God
... gave thanks to God as aforetime." The gracious result was that prayer laid its ... Daniel's
praying was an essential factor in defeating the king's decree and in ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/i prayer essential to god.htm