The Intersection:
Pray For Our Leaders

We are instructed in Scripture to pray for our leaders, which is a great watchword following a contentious election season. 1st Timothy 2 states: “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (NKJV).”

Joe Biden has been inaugurated as the President of the United States, consistent with a peaceful transfer of power, even though in Washington, DC, there were threats of violence and increased security, in addition to social distancing rules as the result of the COVID pandemic. Whether you voted for Trump or Biden, and whether you believe the election was legitimate or not, as Christians we can all pray for our new President, his family, and his team.

There were a number of prayer efforts that were initiated for the new Administration and others serving in our government. Focus on the Family sponsored an online prayer meeting the morning of the inauguration; ministry head, Jim Daly, said: “I can be extremely concerned with current circumstances—even burdened…But we’re called to act—and trust.

Prayer is a powerful way to do just that, so we’re encouraging Christians around the nation to join us in corporate prayer for some of the most foundational aspects of our culture.”

Franklin Graham wrote in a Decision Magazine article recently: “…it is critically important for followers of Jesus Christ to pray for those who will be making decisions that impact the future of our nation.” The son of an evangelist who ministered to a number of Presidents stated: “Pray for President-elect Joe Biden, that he would not be swayed by the voices of self-interest, but that he would listen to the still small voice of Almighty God. Pray for him every day—that God would direct his decisions.”

The Presidential Prayer Team, during its existence that began during the George W. Bush administration, has offered 100 days of prayer for a new president, including this actual prayer:

Heavenly Father, on this important day in the workings of our nation, we come to You with complete confidence, knowing that You are the magnificent and benevolent Controller of All Things. You have repeatedly assured us of the righteousness of Your plans, and we stand in wonder as we watch You working them out through people and events. We praise You, O Most High God. Amen.

The Team has also launched, BOLD, which stands for Beside Our Leaders Daily, highlighting a new member of Congress daily.

That is consistent with 1st Timothy 2. We recognize that our own prayers are powerful, and when Christians are praying according to the will of God, in the same direction, incredible things can take place. We are called not to be afraid in this world, and when you consider that there have been and continue to be moves to limit the voice of the Church, we have to dig deeply into our hearts and remember that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.

We can remember that we have the power and presence of Almighty God with us to navigate difficult times. And, ultimately, He has a purpose – He is at work, He is sovereign, and we remember that He has established human government and is the one who raises up and brings down those who are leadership.