This is the second in a series of blog posts on “Praying Effectively.” Today’s focus is on:
Praying Effectively for our Government Leaders
Have you prayed for President Trump? Vice-President Pence? Democratic Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi? The Governor of your State? Representatives at the local level?
If you’re like me, I have come to realize that praying for our government leaders is not only a privilege, but an expectation of God in His Word. 
It is God who is the ultimate Authority, and He is the one who authored Scripture
(2 Timothy 3:16).
According to Scripture, it is God Himself who also establishes government authority:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
— Romans 13:1, NIV
Regardless of our political leanings, professing Christians need to pray for our government leaders.
If the elected leaders are not of our personal choosing and/or did not receive our vote, does not get us “off the prayer hook.”
We can and should pray that God will give our leaders wisdom, and wise counsel, to govern this great country that we love and celebrate today.
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession 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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”
— 1 Timothy 2:1-3, NIV
Would you agree with me that we are not living peaceful and quiet lives, let alone lives of godliness and holiness?
We’re living in tumultuous, chaotic times where words spoken or written are too often dipped intentionally in poison, with the intended effect to offend, shock, or garner support for furthering our own agendas.
In praying for our leaders, we are also to show respect for them.
“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.”
— 1 Peter 2: 17, NIV
It’s not in my power, or yours, to change the hearts of men or women.
It’s in God’s hands.
That’s actually a beautiful thing because unlike ourselves, God listens well.
God’s Word says:
“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.”
— Proverbs 21:1, NIV
This verse helps me to sleep well at night because I believe God is in control.
He was, is, and always will be.
If you would like a free copy of Billy Graham’s pamphlet in .pdf format, “How to Pray for our Leaders,” please click here.