1 Timothy 2:1-2 — Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Romans 13:1-2 — Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.

A TRUE believer in Christ, especially someone who has the fear of the Lord (Holy Spirit) would not be cursing their leaders. Their prayers are purely kingdom and never ‘soulish’ for they are led by the Spirit of the Lord.

Soulish Prayers originate from the soul (flesh) rather than from Holy Spirit, and is as witchcraft (just think of that!). Often soulish-prayers come from those with a religious, judgmental & jezebelic mindsets, or even those who have pride issues.

Recently, the Lord said to me “What if believers would REALLY pray for their presidents & those in positions of authority, instead of criticizing everything they do or do not do?”

After I heard this I repented and asked the Lord to forgive me for not praying enough for my leaders. (I do pray regularly for leaders but as I repented I was making sure I was covering all of my bases). I repented on behalf of the body of Christ for violating the commands of 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

I have been grieved by believers, sadly even some leaders, who say such things as “So-and-so isn’t my President” or “he’s not a Christian” and they pray AGAINST him rather than FOR him. The heart of the Lord grieves because due to ignorance, they are bringing judgment upon themselves and their household.

Christians are commanded in 1 Timothy 2 to pray for leaders, whether they are believers in Christ or not, whether we agree with their policies or not. Cursing, disrespecting or dishonouring their “office” is dishonouring to God. I shudder to think of the spiritual repercussions because refusal to pray for them is disobedience to God.

What if you don’t like your leader?

If you find it impossible to pray for those in authority over your nation, consider how Daniel respected and even worked with Nebuchadnezzar’s government (while still honouring God) after Babylon took the Jewish people captive (cf. The Book of Daniel). Consider the respect Jesus showed the Romans. (cf. Matthew 22:15-22). Although they forcibly conquered the land of Israel, they were still the governing authority and Jesus submitted to them.

Here’s an interesting article I’ve just come across and I believe there’s no better time today to hear this message.

THE PARTISAN PRAYER

“The primary weapon Satan uses against us is pride, and the greatest temptation when praying for our leaders is to pray with partisanship. Remember, God has a purpose for the life of our leaders—even when we don’t agree with their policies… While the command to pray for our leaders is clear, the motivation is sometimes lost.

We are called to submit to the authorities over us (Romans 13:1) because the way we interact with the government is a witness to Christ’s work in our lives. We must always be respectful of the office, even when we disagree with the policies coming out of it.

Here are some additional tips to help:
1) Ask God to reveal your motives; be sure you’re praying for God’s will in the lives of your leaders and not your own.
2) Concentrate your prayers on their protection and family lives. That’s not to say you can’t pray for policy, but remember that you’re praying for your God-established leader, not your enemy.
3) Purposefully pray for politicians who serve outside your own political party. Never engage in negative talk about your leaders. Discussing policy is one thing, but disrespecting your leaders dishonors God.
4) Though we hear pundits do it all the time, never refer to your president or representatives by their last name alone. There’s technically nothing wrong with referring to “Obama”, “Trump” or “Biden” from a news perspective, but we’re called to be more than technically accurate.
5) Show respect for the “office” by always including the title of the individual —President or Senator.

Remember, prayer is NEVER about changing someone else; it’s ALWAYS about allowing God to change us.
[Source: American Psalms: Prayers for the Christian Patriot by Joshua J. Masters, p. 60]

I pray God gives us the understanding of the times and seasons we are in as He did for the men of Issachar, that we may know the strategies for effective, strategic and precise spiritual warfare.

May we stand in the gap for our leaders that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:2).

Anne Janssens
16 November 2020