Praying for National and spiritual leaders (by Michael Olorunniwo)

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-3, 2 Chronicles 1: 1-12
Today we are going to be praying for our spiritual leaders, political leaders and those in positions of authority.
Leading people can be very challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Political Leaders are faced with making critical decisions that affect everybody and they need the help of God to always make the right decisions. Likewise spiritual leaders are tasked with leading the body of Christ in the way of the Lord and to be the voice of God to the nations.
1 Timothy 2:1-3 instructs us to intercede for

1. All men (People, Business Leaders etc.)
2. Kings (Politicians, Executives, Judiciary and Legislature)
3. People in position of authority (Apostles, Pastors, Teachers, Evangelists and Prophets)
   Every leader needs the help of God to be truly successful in their role.
   Every leader needs the wisdom of God to make the right decisions
   Every leader needs to have the fear of the God in performing their duties
   Every leader need boldness, courage and strength in times of difficulties
   Every leader needs to be innovative and creative and need the spirit of excellence
   Every leader needs a supportive team and godly advisers to excel in their role

We are going to intercede for political leaders

1. Pray that the hearts of our political leaders will be turned towards God and that God’s hand will be upon them – Praying from Proverbs 21:1
   Heavenly father we thank you for there is no authority established without your permission. We lift our political leaders before you in prayer, turn their hearts to do your will according to your word in Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in your hand Lord and like rivers of water, you turn the heart of the king wherever you will. We pray that your hand will be upon then to do your will. We pray that you will help them in their various roles. We pray for the executive, the judiciary and the legislative arms of the government that they will make laws according to the will of the father. We come against every anti-God legislation and proposed law in the name of Jesus. We pray that the light of God will flood the minds as they deliberate on key policies. Thank you, Father, for turning their heart to do your will in government in Jesus’ name. Amen
2. Pray for the wisdom of God for our leaders. – Praying from James 1:5
   Father we pray that you will give our leaders your wisdom to do the right thing as they preside over the people. We pray that you will establish them in your wisdom, give them understanding and excellent spirit as they make difficult decisions. We know that the earthly wisdom is not enough for them to excel, so we pray that you provide them with heavenly wisdom and grace to fulfill your plans and purpose through them in governance in Jesus might name.
3. Pray that they will rule in the fear of God – Praying from 2 Chronicles 14:2
   Father we lift our leaders to you once again, that they will carry out their duties with the fear of the Lord. We pray that they will do the will of God and that which is right in the sight of God. Father help them to resist temptations, corruption and all forms of vices that can destroy their legacies. We pray that you will grant them the grace to do that which is right and just by the people in Jesus Might name. Amen

We are going to intercede for our spiritual leaders

1. Praying for the fullness of God’s spirit on our spiritual leaders – Praying from Isaiah 11: 2-3
   Heavenly Father we thank you for all the leaders in the body of Christ. Thank you, Lord, for your grace at work in their lives. We pray that you will fill them afresh with you spirit and power. We pray that your spirit will rest upon them every single day of their lives, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge of God and the fear of the Lord. Spirit of excellence and discernment in Jesus might name. Amen
2. Praying for supporters of the vision, ministry partners and relationships – Praying from Exodus 17:12
   Father we lift our spiritual leaders before you once again. We pray that you will send them encouragement and support in the ministry when they feel the weight of the work you have committed to their hands. We pray that you will send them people who will support the vision that you have given to them, people like Joshua and Hur who held the tiring hands of Moses, people like Jethro who gave a great counsel to ease Moses’ burden. We pray for people to support the work financially and that you will touch the hearts of believers to continually pray for your servants all over the world. We pray that they will not get tired nor weary of the work you have committed to their hands. We pray that they will do the work with joy in their heart and receive the reward of faithfulness at the end of time in Jesus Might name Amen