Pray for Your Rulers

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; he turns it wherever he wishes. (Proverbs 21:1, NIV)

For Insight

It is a high honor that comes with great responsibility and measured thinking. The position of ruler—whether king, queen, or president. They not only have the lives and wellbeing of billions, millions, and nation in their hand, their decisions can change world systems cause prosperity or collapse.

Consider kings or presidents who are warmongers, their hunger for war can bring imbalance to economies to crash, disrupt the flow of life for everyone, be fiscally devastating, set off a chain of events that impact farming, food security and cause famines. By one push of the button, they can disrupt education and put people’s health and job security in harm’s way. On the other hand, the policies of a peace-loving ruler will assure its citizens live in peace and prosper.

There is no worthier activity the Christian can undertake than to be a person of prayer. Look at what Paul wrote to Timothy,

“First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly, and dignified in every way.” (I Tim. 2:1-2)

The believer that accepts God is truly in control and even the hearts of rulers can be directed by God, and takes their position of prayer seriously, knowing as James wrote, the prayer of the faith are powerful land effective (James 5:16).

Solomon used an ancient irrigation method to illustrate his proverb. Historically, farmers opened or closed gates which led to irrigation channels which sent water in the direction they needed it to flow. They used this simple method to ensure crops were well watered and cattle had water to drink, and no portion of land got too much water and none too little. In the same way God channels the human heart. God can cause the heart of the godly to do good things, but he can also channel the heart of the wicked to accomplish his purposes.

We may emphasize getting out and voting is what we need to do in order to put good people into public office and this is necessary but just as importantly is that God’s people make it a practice of praying for their rulers. If we want more prosperity, equity, and justice, we can march, protest, and threaten but we should first take the position of prayer knowing God controls the human heart.  

When the Israelites were captive in Babylon God told them to live life and do things that caused the city to prosper. More than anything God said they were to pray for the city they were in because when the city prospered so would they.  (Jeremiah 29:4-7). Since the beginning of time, this is how God works. He tells his people to pray, and he hears the prayers of his people and directs human hearts to respond to the needs of the people.  

A person in any position and power has great temptations to abuse their power but the prayers of those who make their permanent home in Christ can pray for their rulers to have good hearts and do good things for all people with the power they have been blessed with.

Lord, I will not worry or become anxious about those in high positions because I understand the real power comes through prayer. Cause your people on earth to become praying people because that is where real and lasting change starts. Amen

Ask Yourself

When it comes to people in high places and their decisions do I fret more or pray more?  

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