DO YOU WANT TO LIVE A PEACEFUL LIFE?

FIRST OF all, then, I admonish and urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in positions of authority or high responsibility, that [outwardly] we may pass a quiet and undisturbed life [and inwardly] a peaceable one in all godliness and reverence and seriousness in every way.  For such [praying] is good and right, and [it is] pleasing and acceptable to God our Savior, - 1 Timothy 2

When the apostle Paul wrote his letter to Timothy, he wrote during a time when Nero, whom history reveals as a cruel emperor, was famous for his heavy persecution of Christians in Rome.  The believers were discouraged, tired and may have not understood why they should pray for such an evil ruler.  God knew why.  Such prayer unlocks the door to many breakthroughs and miracles.

OTHER THAN THE ABOVE VERSES, WHY SHOULD WE PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS?

When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh. – Proverbs 29:2

If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.  – 2 Chronicles 7:14

WHAT SHOULD WE PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS?

For our civil and political leaders pray...

• ·         That they will “be saved” and “come unto the knowledge of the truth.” -1 Timothy 2:4
• ·         That they acknowledge, honor, and praise God who is THE sovereign ruler. –Daniel 4:34
• ·         That they rule by example. -1 Peter 5:3
• ·         That they have and demonstrate the wisdom of God. –James 1:5
• ·         That they grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. -2 Peter 3:18
• ·         That they be filled with and walk in the Spirit of God. –Galatians 5:25

For our spiritual leaders pray the above mentioned things as well as:

• ·         That they have the freedom to boldly share the Word. –Ephesians 6:19
• ·         That they minister by the grace of God given to them. –Romans 12:6
• ·         That they shepherd the flock willingly and with a ready mind. -1 Peter 5:2
• ·         That they are diligent in the Word and properly interpret and apply it. 2 Timothy 2:15
• ·         That they rule their own house well. -1 Timothy 3:4-5
• ·         That they speak the Word with power. -1 Corinthians 2:4
• ·         That they will labor with other laborers in the Lord. -1 Corinthians 3:9-10
• ·         That God will richly prosper their work. -2 Corinthians 9:8
• ·         That they will fully know the love of Christ. –Ephesians 3:19
• ·         That they will preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. –Ephesians 3:8
• ·         That there will be a unity of the Spirit with those who share like callings (other elders, deacons, pastors.) Ephesians 4:3-6
• ·         That they will humbly submit themselves to God and resist the devil as directed by God. –James 4:7 & 1 Peter 5:9
• ·         That they will seek wise counsel. –Proverbs 24:6
• ·         That God’s will be done in their (and our) lives. –Matthew 6:9-13