PRAYING FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY

1 Timothy 2:1–4 (ESV)

“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.”

Shalom, beloved of God.

Welcome to today’s Bible study. By God’s grace, we are going to learn about “The Importance of Praying for Those in Authority.”

1. God Appoints Authority  Romans 13:1–5

The apostle Paul writes:

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.”
(Romans 13:1, ESV)

Paul goes on to explain that to resist authority is to resist what God has ordained, and such resistance leads to judgment (Romans 13:2).

The role of leaders, whether political or civil, is described as a form of God’s service:

“For he is God’s servant for your good… a servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer.”(Romans 13:4)

This means there are two kinds of ministries established by God:

• Spiritual ministry, carried out by preachers and ministers through the proclamation of the Gospel (Ephesians 4:11–12).
• Civic or governmental ministry, carried out by those in authority to maintain order, justice, and public good.

Although these civic leaders may not preach the Gospel, they play a vital role in preserving social stability, which indirectly supports the spread of the Gospel by creating peaceful environments.

2. Why Should We Pray for Those in Authority?

Paul urges that we should pray for rulers and those in authority so that we may live peaceful, godly, and dignified lives (1 Timothy 2:2).

This does not simply mean praying for their personal needs, though that is also good. The emphasis here is on praying for the integrity and effectiveness of the positions they hold that those positions be used for God’s purposes, not the enemy’s.

For example:

• When we pray for a president, we’re not only praying for his or her health or success, but that the office itself be shielded from the enemy’s influence, and that decisions made from that seat align with God’s will.
• The same applies to ministries such as health, education, and finance every sphere of governance needs prayer coverage to prevent the enemy from planting corruption, injustice, or destructive policies.

3. When Leaders Go Astray, the People Suffer

When positions of authority are not covered in prayer, the enemy can gain access and unleash chaos. The consequences are not limited to the ungodly they affect everyone, including believers.

Consider These Biblical Examples:

• The Siege of Jerusalem (Jeremiah 52):
  The city was surrounded for two years. Even the prophet Jeremiah, a man chosen by God (Jeremiah 1:5), suffered and was at one point given just one loaf of bread per day (Jeremiah 37:21).
• The Babylonian Exile (Ezekiel & Daniel):
  Godly men like Ezekiel and Daniel were taken into captivity. Though they were righteous, they suffered the consequences of their nation’s spiritual and political downfall.

These stories show that spiritual people are not immune to the impact of failed leadership or national judgment. Even if God preserves their souls, they may still face hardships.

“Noah was saved during the flood but life inside the ark was not easy.”

4. Spiritual Warfare and Political Systems

Make no mistake: the devil is actively targeting leadership structures. His aim is not just to cause global suffering, but to create an environment hostile to Christians and the spread of the Gospel.

You may hear:

• New laws banning street preaching
• Government restrictions on church construction
• Limitations on who can preach without formal theological training

These are not mere political decisions they are spiritual attacks intended to weaken the Church’s influence.

That’s why Paul urges the Church to intercede, not just for personal peace, but for systemic peace that protects the freedom to worship and evangelize.

5. We Must Pray Consistently and Specifically

We are called to cover every level of leadership in prayer:

• National presidents and prime ministers
• Ministers and department heads (e.g., health, finance, education)
• Local leaders governors, MPs, mayors
• Even down to ward leaders, village elders, and street representatives

No leadership position is too small to pray for. Every decision made at every level has a ripple effect, especially in times like these when the world is increasingly unstable.

6. The End Times and the Need for Peace

The Bible foretells global unrest (Matthew 24:6–8), but true, worldwide collapse and tribulation will come after the Rapture.

“And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars… but the end is not yet.”(Matthew 24:6)

Now, we are in the birth pangs stage there is still time to pray for peace and push back against darkness. God is giving us time to intercede.

7. Let Us Obey the Word

Again, Paul 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…”(1 Timothy 2:1–2, ESV)

Let us not take this lightly.

Even though the world is heading toward judgment, we are still called to pray, to stand in the gap, and to preserve peace while we still can for the sake of the Gospel, and for our own ability to live godly lives in peace.

Prayer Point

“Lord, we lift up every person in authority, from national leaders to local officials. Cover them with Your wisdom, shield their minds from the enemy, and let Your will prevail in every decision. Protect these positions from corruption and spiritual attack, so that we, Your people, may live in peace and proclaim Your Gospel freely. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

God bless you richly as you take up this call to intercede. Let your prayers make a difference.

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