Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Those in Authority, looks at how prayer for leaders is essential for the kingdom of God.

Show Notes: Praying for Others: Those in Authority

We have reached a time in history where we need to pray for people in leadership positions as never before. Strong and courageous authority figures, who are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, are needed as we move closer to the end of the ages. But do we complain about the leaders around us? Or do we pray for them?

First, it must be understood that God created everything and He alone holds it all together. God never shakes his head in fear or wonders about people who lead. Every person has a purpose and plan from Father God and even if they turn from Him and His ways, He can work all things for good. We’ve been called onto the dance floor of life to flow with God, but He allows us the option to refuse. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 ESV

We may not always understand why leaders can be ineffective or greedy or even evil, but God’s ways and thoughts are above ours. We are to pray and believe.

We’ll focus on four types of leaders:

In families- which can include parents, grandparents, and guardians of children.
In business-owners, chief executive officers, managers, administration, shift leaders, and trainers.
In churches or ministries-pastors, teachers, evangelists, ministers, administration, small group leaders, and chief executive officers.
In government-kings, queens, presidents, senators, governors, representatives, ambassadors, prime ministers, chancellors, or mayors.

So many types of authorities around the world. Some kind, others cruel, many good, and many wicked. But God has a word regarding our prayer role when it comes to regular people and leaders.

I Timothy 2: 1-4 says: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” ESV

How do we pray?

We start with the phrase “all people.” No picking and choosing according to gender, race, position, or whether a person is what we consider good or evil. God will place a person or leader on our hearts and we pray. We can also lift any leaders in our country, church, business, or family to the Lord. God even tells us in verse one what kind of prayers: supplications or humble pleadings, prayers, intercession or standing in the gap, and thanksgiving. So, we plead, pray, intercede, and then are thankful that God hears.

When we pray for people sincerely, whether we agree with them or not, God changes us. Wow. Those we pray for have the choice to change but I don’t believe anyone can truly intercede for another and leave unchanged. God said it helps us to lead a peaceful and quiet life with dignity. And it is good and pleasing to Him. Why? Because He wants to see everyone saved and living in truth. Including us.

Specific prayers can include:

Following God closely or for salvation for the leader.
For health and well-being: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
That their conduct would be pure and above reproach.
For wisdom and discernment in their decision-making.
A good work ethic and the ability to persevere.
For a servant’s heart and attitude toward others.
To display the fruits of the Spirit: love,