Prayer for the authorities.
Before I speak on prayer for the authorities, we must first see what the Bible has to say about the authorities in a nation. Paul wrote to the Romans to inform them that they must respect the governmental authorities because there is no authority except that which God has established (Romans 13:1).
The paradox here is that during this period Roman was governed by Nero considered to be the worst persecutor of the church in that time period. If I were to try to place myself in these Roman Christians situation I would find it nearly impossible to be able to pray for someone who not only mistreated people in general but also persecuted the church. Worse still, Paul say in verse 4 that the ruler in authority is God’s servant for our good.
Why would Paul speak of God’s servant when he knew full well of the atrocities committed by Nero? The answer is found in 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Writing to Timothy Paul exhorts him to pray for all people and especially those in authority such as kings (presidents) so that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness. If we don’t’ pray for our presidents, governors, senators, etc.. the devil will know how to best use them to accomplish his will in the earth since Jesus described him as the prince of this world (John 14:30). We must pray then that God would use them to accomplish his will here on this earth. We don’t pray for them because they are righteous but rather because they hold a very important place in the sight of God.
The Word of God says that it is God who changes the times and seasons, he depose kings (presidents) and raises up others (Daniel 2:21). This means that we need to accept those who govern over us praying for them despite their evil actions for this is good and pleases God our Savior (I timothy 2:3).
I was among those who spoke very negatively about the leaders of this country (Burundi) but I repented as soon as the Lord gave me this revelation. When we speak negatively of our leaders we are actually cursing them since our speech either curses or blesses people (James 3:9). The problem is that when we curse them we are inadvertently cursing those who are under their authority.
One day Paul insulted the high priest without realizing his position. His friends were astonished and asked him how he could dare to do something like that to the high priest. His answer astonished me: Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.” (Acts 23:5).
We need to pray for our leaders so that God can guide them in their decision making process for if we don’t pray they will be guided by other forces (demonic) and laws allowing homosexuality and abortion will be established in some places. In other nations, they will be influenced by corruption and criminal activity. Some laws passed in the name of democracy become the devil’s favorite weapon for defying the Word of God.
