Praying for Our Government

God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil.... - E.M.Bounds

Paul exhorts believers in I Timothy 2 that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”

Being a leader is never easy. The heavy weight of responsibility, the struggle to discern truth, and the relentless pressure of opposition is a great burden. Leadership is often a thankless job, where criticism is much more common than gratitude, and where steady, faithful work is often overlooked and undervalued.

All levels of government need our prayers. Every leader has an impact, whether on the local and state level, or the federal governmental branches of the Congress and Senate, Supreme Court, and President. Their daily decisions often affect our lives more than we realize.

Working in Washington, DC has led me to pray for our leaders in specific ways:

• A leader’s personal walk with the Lord. Many government officials are unashamed of professing the name of Jesus Christ, while others deny His very existence. Regardless, “the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1), and He has ultimate control. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it withersoever He will.”

• A leader’s family. An elected official’s family will either be his biggest support, or greatest drain. The pressures of constant separation and distracting work will either strengthen or destroy relationships, and leaders need wisdom and strength to keep their priorities in order.

• A leader’s advisors. Staff plays a huge role in filtering information and acting as an extension of a government official. Proverbs tells us that “if a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked.”

• Wisdom for the leader. Countless decisions face governmental officials every day. Pressing deadlines and complex facts often skew the clarity of a decision, and often the costs and benefits of a situation must be carefully weighed as a whole.

• Courage to do what is right. Clarity of direction is one matter; having the strength and courage to follow the path of righteousness is another. The environment in government is not conducive to change and reform; it is a very difficult and lonely road.

It is no wonder that Paul admonishes believers to pray for those in authority. The weight and burden of responsibility is great, but the fruit can also be very rewarding. It is both humbling and encouraging to watch great men and women bow themselves before our Almighty God, then rise up to fight for righteousness and a revival of our founding principles. If they are willing to pour out their lives for this purpose, are we not able to pour out our hearts?

-Elizabeth Tyrrell

Elizabeth Tyrrell has worked the last six years as the Executive Assistant for Daniel Webster. Elizabeth’s desire is to glorify God by serving Congressman Webster and supporting his vision to change the culture of Washington, DC.