Pray for Your Leaders
by John Michalak
Isaiah 11:1-2
A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots will bear fruit. The LORD’s Spirit will rest on him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Do you pray for your leaders?
Few leaders in government are supported by everyone. In America, most national leaders like the President are only supported by about half the country.
In the church, pastors and elders are usually viewed more favorably. But many assume that the pastor doesn’t need support, especially through prayer, from the people he serves.
Whether political or spiritual, the Bible makes it clear that we must pray for our leaders: that they might embody the character of Isaiah’s promised Messiah — that God’s Spirit would give them wisdom and understanding, counsel and might, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah’s Messiah, this Jesus, once made His rule known on earth. And one day, Jesus will bring peace to the earth again. But, in the meantime, we must pray that His Spirit would rest upon those who guide us today.
So, no matter what you think of them, it’s in your best interest to pray for your leaders. If the Bible teaches us anything, it’s that God can use anyone to build His Kingdom and declare His glory.
Reflection
What leaders can I pray for right now? I will list my leaders in government and in my church and commit to praying for them regularly.
Prayer
Dear God, Please fill the leaders in government and the church with Your Spirit and wisdom. Guide the decisions they make. Help me to remember to pray for those in charge of making and enforcing the laws of my land. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, in Whose name I pray, Amen.
