Rulers’ prayer
‘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…’ (I Tim. 2:1,2, NKJV).
There are countless folks who see prayer as something which lazy or clueless people resort to, to idle time away. But most of them come back to it when all other attempts fail. There are others who pray but do so for personal interests only. Actually, most Christian programmes of today are driven by personal interests only. But Paul’s exhortation says, “…first of all…”, which shows us the level of importance which Apostle Paul attached to our intercession prayers.
It is highly important to pray for those in authority because the decisions they make can affect us positively or adversely. Many times, those at the receiving end of leaders’ wrong decisions are the common people. Certain decisions which a leader believes are good ones were actually inspired by Satan to lure people into bondage or destruction. Every leader needs prayers indeed.
In the Old Testament days, Satan pushed King David into taking a census of Israel. Even though his military head objected to the idea, David prevailed against him. So Joab went, took the census and brought back a figure to David. David wanted a census so as to know the military strength of Israel and probably compare his with those of other nations around. He wanted to proud himself in his military power but forgot that it was actually God who had given him all that the victory he got, not his military might.
God was so displeased with the whole idea that He punished Israel. He sent an angel to destroy Jerusalem but David quickly repented, and started pleading with God: “I’m the one who sinned, not these innocent people. What did they do wrong? Punish me, not them, me and my family; don’t take it out on them.” God had mercy on David’s kingdom but not without the death of seventy thousand men! The very source of David’s pride was attacked and he was humbled.
When God begins to bless a land, ministry or business, its head and those connected to it benefit from God’s grace. But instead of getting closer to their Source of blessing, their leaders often start rebelling against Him. There are individuals, ministries, organizations and nations which were doing well until they started disobeying God. And that was what wrecked them. Dear friend, it’s important that we start praying for our leaders so that we don’t partake in the punishment that rises as a result of their wrong decisions. May God help us to do so as from now. In Jesus name!
Today’s Corporate Prayer: Father, increase in us the grace of intercession for our leaders. In Christ Jesus mighty name!
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Tabitha omobolanle Faleye is a lover of Christ and His works and a copy writer/content developer.
