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Praying for Good Government — When Power Is at Stake
The approaching November elections have intensified the struggle for political power in America. Those in power are determined to retain it, and those seeking it are equally determined to gain it. Political rhetoric sharpens, accusations multiply, and fear and anger become tools of persuasion. Too often, the pursuit of victory overshadows the responsibility to govern with wisdom, integrity, humility, and justice.
In this environment, how should followers of Jesus pray?
We tend to judge government by the goodness or badness of its leaders, and leaders by whether they produce the government we prefer. But this approach can obscure a greater truth: God is sovereign over governments and those who govern.
Daniel 2:21 reminds us that God "removes kings and sets up kings." Proverbs 21:1 teaches that the heart of a king is in the Lord's hand, to be directed according to His purpose. Neither passage excuses wrongdoing or injustice. Both remind us that human authority remains subject to God's sovereignty.
In 1 Timothy 2:1–4, Paul instructs believers to pray for kings and all who exercise authority, so that people may live peaceful and godly lives. He makes no distinction between rulers we favor and those we oppose.
We are not asking God to become an instrument of our political will. We are asking that His will govern those who hold political power.
That distinction is essential to our position in prayer.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God calls His people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. Before asking God to correct political leaders' conduct, we must invite Him to examine our own hearts. Have political preferences displaced our confidence in His sovereignty? Have anger, fear, pride, or contempt shaped our judgments?
Our assignment is to pray for those who hold authority and those who seek it.
This week . . .
• Pray for wisdom rather than ambition, humility rather than pride, truth rather than deception, and justice rather than political advantage.
• Pray for voters to exercise discernment, for the integrity of elections, and for the well-being of those affected by government decisions.
• Pray for God's purpose rather than prescribing His answer.
Last week, we introduced five teachings from Derek Prince on praying for good government. As the election approaches, I encourage you to listen again, paying particular attention to your position before God.
Praying According to God’s Word
https://www.derekprince.com/radio/631
Praying for Our Government
https://www.derekprince.com/radio/632
I Have Seen History Shaped by Prayer
https://www.derekprince.com/radio/633
The Healing of Our Land
https://www.derekprince.com/radio/634
How to Humble Ourselves
https://www.derekprince.com/radio/635
The contest for political power will continue beyond this election. Some will celebrate the outcome; others will be disappointed. But our assignment will not change.
Remain humbly surrendered in God's Presence, seeking Him intently for His wisdom, righteousness, justice, and purpose, and confessing and turning from the sin He reveals.
Our purpose is not to pray our preferred government into power. Rather, it is to seek God for good government, according to His definition of good and His sovereign purpose.
1 Timothy 2:1-5
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.
Lord, search our hearts, correct our motives, and teach us to pray according to Your Word. Grant wisdom and integrity to those who govern, expose wrongdoing, protect those they serve, and keep us faithful in prayer whatever the outcome.
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