Christians in Politics: Praying for leaders to have wisdom

This is the fourth column I have written encouraging Christians to engage in local politics. However, this column may be the most important of all. When it comes to political engagement God has given you a direct command in His word to pray for people who are in government positions. Whatever else we may choose to do (or not do) concerning our civic involvement, prayer is not optional. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:1-2:

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 

God expects you to pray for people in government, and that includes local government. It should be easy to pray for people in local government because they are our friends and neighbors. We see them at the grocery store, the ball fields, in churches, at our jobs and in all the places where we live, work, and play. During the current election season, we see many of their faces on social media and on signs and billboards. 

What strikes me about these verses is the command to pray for “all” those in authority. This means that you are not required to agree with them in order to pray for them. When these Bible verses were written the people in authority over Christians did not believe in Jesus. The government at the time was filled with pagans and idol worshippers. Yet Christians were still to pray for them.

There is something about prayer that leads to godliness and we see that in verse 2: “…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness…”. Living a peaceful and quiet life is a direct result of prayer. God has not called you to be a loud and obnoxious Christian. The noise of criticism is never ending. 

During an election cycle, it is easy to criticize others. The problem is that it does not work. In fact, most people are numb to the constant barrage of critical rhetoric. Certainly, there are occasions to call out leaders who act wickedly; and we are always to speak truth. But there are some that seem to love to criticize rather than to spread peace. They do it so much it is as if they take joy in it. Don’t be that person. And never vote for such a person. Criticism does not change the political landscape; and criticism does not please God. Jesus said: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak” MT 12:36. 

There is a better way to use words … prayer. I believe prayer is more powerful than criticism. Good things happen when Gods people pray. James 5:16 says: “The prayer of a righteous person has great power.” Pray for the leaders in our community; pray also for those that are seeking to be leaders in our community.

How should we pray for our leaders? 

There are many ways we could pray for our leaders. But I want to encourage you to pray a specific prayer based upon 1 Kings 3. I want you to pray for our local leaders to have godly wisdom. In 1 Kings 3 Solomon had just become king of Israel. Leading the nation was a big job and he wanted to do it right. He sought the Lord to help him be successful. One night God appeared to him in a dream and said: “ask what I shall give you” 1 Kings 3:5. Solomon could have asked for anything. He didn’t ask for wealth, power, or victory over his enemies. He asked God for wisdom in how to govern the nation: “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” 1 Kings 3:9

Solomon wanted to govern correctly and wanted to please God in the decisions he made. He didn’t ask for power, wealth, or tenure. He asked God to give him the ability to discern right from wrong and to have a discerning heart. We need more of that from our leaders. This is the best way for you to pray for them. 

First, pray that the Lord would put people with a heart like Solomon in positions of authority in our local government; people while humility and a desire to please God. Secondly, pray that they would see God’s wisdom in how they govern and that God would grant their request. 

God granted Solomons request and the nation of Israel was ushered into a golden age that they have never experienced since. May we pray for our leaders to seek godly wisdom just as Solomon did. And may the Lord pour out his blessings upon our city as we pray for our leaders.