Intercessory prayer, a vital aspect of Christian life, involves praying on behalf of others. One significant focus of such prayer is for those in positions of authority. The Bible underscores the importance of lifting up leaders and those in power through prayer, recognizing their influence on society and the church.

Biblical Foundation

The apostle Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, explicitly instructs believers to pray for all who are in authority. He writes, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, 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). This passage highlights the necessity of intercessory prayer for leaders, linking it to the well-being and tranquility of the community.

Purpose of Praying for Authorities

Praying for those in authority serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it acknowledges God's sovereignty over all earthly powers, recognizing that leaders are ultimately subject to His will. Secondly, it seeks divine guidance and wisdom for leaders, that they may govern justly and righteously. Thirdly, such prayers aim to foster an environment conducive to the spread of the Gospel, as peaceful and stable societies provide fertile ground for the church's mission.

Examples from Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where God's people are called to pray for their leaders. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah instructs the exiles in Babylon to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" (Jeremiah 29:7). This directive underscores the interconnectedness of the welfare of the people and the leadership of the land.

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself exemplifies intercessory prayer, though not specifically for earthly authorities, His high priestly prayer in John 17 demonstrates the heart of intercession, as He prays for His disciples and all future believers.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to regularly include leaders in their prayers, whether they agree with their policies or not. This practice fosters a spirit of humility and dependence on God, recognizing that true change and justice come from Him. It also serves as a reminder of the Christian duty to respect and honor those in authority, as instructed in Romans 13:1, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God, and those that exist have been appointed by God" .

In summary, intercessory prayer for all in authority is a biblically mandated practice that seeks God's intervention in the governance of nations, aiming for peace, justice, and the advancement of His kingdom on earth.1 Timothy 2:2
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ's Intercessory Prayer.
... CHRIST'S INTERCESSORY PRAYER. ... forget this earnest consideration of their state or
should ever come to ... Beginning with prayer for Himself, our Lord passes at the ...
/.../xvi christs intercessory prayer.htm

Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies.
... presbyters; and the bishop or president delivered a Homily or Sermon, explanatory,
it should seem, of ... "The great Intercessory Prayer. ... The Prayer of Inclination ...
/.../various/early liturgies/introductory notice to the early.htm

The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration.
... here, the Great High-Priest first offered up to the ... that' [in order that] the Father
should keep them ... In its last part this intercessory Prayer of the Great ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xi the last discourses.htm

The Arrest
... that Jesus said to Peter, "Put up again thy ... to stick by Christ, even if he should
have to ... This saying occurs in His great intercessory prayer, offered at the ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm

The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727.
... rules which he had just drawn up for the ... service began; the "Confession" was offered
by the ... the Lord the incense of intercessory prayer should rise continually ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter iii the founding of.htm

The First Cry from the Cross
... our Saviour might have paused from intercessory prayer, it was ... when we read the
Saviour's prayer aright"it ... reason why you Christian people should not subside ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 15 1869/the first cry from the.htm

Ninth Lesson. Pray the Lord of the Harvest;'
... He knew that when this work should be given in charge ... this power has been given us
in prayer to provide in ... give ourselves to this part of our intercessory work ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/ninth lesson pray the lord.htm

Chapter xviii
... author taking up the clue which he offered in v ... We should say, such who have made
the proper use ... such as "The Boldness of Faith," or "Intercessory Prayer at its ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xviii.htm

The Journey through Perea to Jerusalem
... This, however, may be said, that the reasons offered for holding ... that those who would
be his disciples should count the ... The intercessory prayer"John 17:1-26. ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the journey through perea.htm

The Doctrinal Position of the Anglican Church and Her Relation to ...
... be greatly changed; and it should be remembered ... of the mass, the seven sacraments,
intercessory prayers for ... special intercession is modified to prayer "for the ...
/.../ 77 the doctrinal position.htm

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Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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