1 Timothy 2:1-4 (CSB)
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
In part of this scripture Paul is saying that prayers should be said for everyone – not just for a few. He particularly mentions kings and people in authority, in other words our leaders of this world. This request can sometimes, even now, be difficult to actually do, given how certain leaders of our world are behaving towards their people. When you actually think about it though, the leaders of the world are also in need of our prayers because they too need salvation.
This scripture tells us that God wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. We know that not everyone will be saved, but surely if our prayers can save even some then it is vital that we pray for them. Paul lets us know that by praying for leaders we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
Matthew 5:44 (CSB)
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Luke 6:28 (CSB)
“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
By following these commands of Jesus, in the above two scriptures, the hope that we have is that our prayers for them will enable them to have a change of heart, repent of their sins and be saved. Prayers are powerful and we should be very aware of how powerful they actually are. When we realise how powerful our prayers are, we should pray even more.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (CSB)
Pray constantly.
Can we change people’s hearts by praying for them, and get them to turn away from their evil ways? I think only God knows the answer to that question but we know that miracles really do happen, we know God wants everyone to be saved and know the knowledge of the truth, and we know that by reading the above scriptures it is our duty to pray for everyone, including our leaders.
Onward Christian Soldiers 