30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority

30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority

by Gary Bergel

The life of every citizen of every nation is impacted by a vast multitude of individuals who wield significant influence each day. Consider millions of elected officials, appointed judges, lawyers, police officers, business executives and managers, those involved in church leadership, educators, medical practitioners and hospital administrators. How might we pray for these individuals? Here are 30 things based on Scripture that we can pray for people in authority. Don't overwhelm yourself. Select one person or group of people and then pray one of these things each day for them.

1. That they be God fearing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act (Prov 9:10)

2. That they be granted wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Jas. 1:5)

3. That they be presented with the gospel and a living Christian witness (Rom 10:14)

4. That if unsaved, they be drawn to a saving encounter with Christ; if born-again, they be strengthened and encouraged in their faith (1 Tim 2:4, Eph 1:17-23)

5. That they recognize their own inadequacy and pray and seek the will of God (Prov 3:5-8, 1 Kings 11:9-13)

6. That they be convicted of sin, transgressions, and iniquity (Psm 51:17, John 8:9)

7. The they heed their conscience, confess their sins, and repent (Prov 28:13, Jas 4:8)

8. That they read the Bible and attend prayer meetings and Bible studies (Psm 119:11, Col 3:2)

9. That they value and regard the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ (psm 19:7-11, John 8:31-32)

10. That they respect and honor their own parents if living (Eph 6:2-3)

11. That they respect authority and practice accountability (Rom 13:1-7)

12. That they be given godly counsel and God-fearing advisors (Prov 24:6)

13. That they be honest and faithful to spouses and children (Mal 2:15-16)

14. That they be practicing members of local congregations (Heb 10:25)

15. They they desire purity and avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion, and drunkenness (1 Cor 6:9-20, Titus 2:12)

16. That they be timely, reliable, and dependable (Matt 21:28-31)

17. That they be honest in financial, tax and ethical matters (1 Cor 6:10, 1 Tim 6:6-10)

18. That they seek pastoral care and counsel when needed (Heb 13:7)

19. That they seek out and nurture godly friendships (Psm 1:1-3

20. That they have thankful and teachable spirits (Rom 1:21)

21. That they be generous and have compassionate hearts for the poor and needy (Psm 112:9, 1 Kings 10:33-37)

22. That they redeem their time and know priorities (Eph 5:15-17)

23. That they desire honest, integrity, and loyality (Psalm 26, Prov 11:3)

24. That they have courage to resist manipulation, pressure, and the fear of man (Prov 29:25, 2 Tim 1:7)

25. That they be shielded from occultism, New Age cults, false religions, and secret societies (Isa 1:29, 2:6)

26. That they be prsented with biblical worldviews and principles (Eph 3:10)

27. That they endeavor to restgore the sanctity of life, families, divine orderm and morality in our nation (Eph 5:22-6:4)

28. That they would work to reverse the trends of humanism in our nation (1Chron 12:32, Isa 59:19)

29. Tha they desire humility and meedness and be willing to serve and cooperate (John 13:14, Titus 3:1-2)

30. That they be prepared to give account to Almighty God (Heb 9:27)

Adapted from "Intercessors for America" newsletter

Lake County House of Prayer - California