SueAnn Porter

So many problems: Taxes too high, the poor, the homeless, the list goes on.

Sure we all complain, but what are we doing about it?

If we could all take five minutes out of our day, and concentrate it where it would do the most good, would you do it?

Scripture instructs us to pray for all in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), but how do we do that, exactly? Here are 30 ways to pray for our leaders—our judges, educators, police chiefs, school board members, military officers, ALL elected officials, and others who serve our country by leading. By doing this, you are standing in the gap, intervening between God and those in authority.
30 Ways to pray for people in authority
1. That they be God-fearing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act. (Proverbs 9:10)
2. That they be granted wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. (James 1:5)
3. That they be presented with the gospel and a loving Christian witness. (Romans 10:14)
4. That if unsaved, they be drawn to a saving encounter with Christ; if born-again, that they be strengthened and encouraged in their faith. (1 Timothy 2:4, Ephesians 1:17-23)
5. That they recognize their own inadequacy and pray and seek the will of God. (Proverbs 3:5-8, Luke 11:9-13)
6. That they be convicted of sin, transgression, and iniquity. (Psalm 51:17, John 8:9)
7. That they heed their conscience, confess their sins and repent. (Proverbs 28:13, James 4:8)
8. That they read the Bible and attend prayer meetings and Bible studies. (Psalms 119:11, Colossians 3:2)
9. That they value and regard the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ. (Psalm 19:7-11, John 8:31-32)
10. That they respect and honor their own parents if living. (Ephesians 6:2-3)
11. That they respect authority and practice accountability. (Romans 13:1-7)
12. That they be given godly counsel and God-fearing advisors. (Proverbs 24:6)
13. That they be honest and faithful to spouses and children. (Malachi 2:15-16)
14. That they be practicing members of local congregations. (Hebrews 10:25)
15. That they desire purity and avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion and drunkenness. (1 Corinthians 6:9-20, Titus 2:12)
16. That they be timely, reliable and dependable. (Matthew 21:28-31)
17. That they be honest in financial, tax and ethical matters. (1 Corinthians 6:10, 1 Timothy 6:6-10)
18. That they seek pastoral care and counsel when needed. (Hebrews 13:7)
19. That they seek out and nurture godly friendships. (Psalms 1:1-3)
20. That they have thankful and teachable spirits. (Romans 1:21)
21. That they be generous and have compassionate hearts for the poor and needy. (Psalm 112:9, Luke 10:33-37)
22. That they redeem their time and know priorities. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
23. That they desire honesty, integrity, and loyalty. (Psalm 26, Proverbs 11:3)
24. That they have courage to resist manipulation, pressure and the fear of man. (Proverbs 29:25, 2 Timothy 1:7)
25. That they be shielded from occultism, New Age cults, false religions, and secret societies. (Isaiah 1:29, 2:6)
26. That they be presented with biblical worldviews and principles. (Ephesians 3:10)
27. That they endeavor to restore the sanctity of life, families, divine order and morality in our nation. (Ephesians 5:22-6:4)
28. That they would work to reverse the trends of humanism in our nation. (1 Chronicles 12:32, Isaiah 59:19)
29. That they desire humility and meekness and be willing to serve and cooperate. (John 13:14, Titus 3:1-2)
30. That they be prepared to give an account to Almighty God. (Hebrews 9:27)
From http://nationaldayofprayer.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/30-Ways-to-Pray-Authority.pdf
2015 National Day of Prayer (Thursday May 7, A.D. 2015)
– 2015 National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham
Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You.
Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land.
We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.
We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You.
Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness.
We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You.
Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.
Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.
We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.
In Jesus’ name, our Savior.
Amen.
– 2015 National Prayer by Dr. Jack Graham