Elections, elections, elections. They happen all over the world at every level of government and institutions.
Governance matters and it’s not man’s original idea. In fact, we see in Scripture (Genesis 1: 28) that the principle of government was established by God for the proper stewardship of creation.
An important responsibility for God’s people at all times and in all places is to pray for those who have the authority to govern, whether they be followers of Christ or not, since good governance is vital for the welfare of all citizens. In Old Testament times, even while in exile, God’s people were instructed to pray for the peace of the city where they lived, because if the city prospered so would God’s people. (Jeremiah 29:7)
The apostle Paul who lived in a time and place under the harsh domination of the Roman Emperor, instructed all Christians to pray for those in authority.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 1:1-4)
There’s crucial reason why we are instructed to pray for people in government.
We learn from Scripture that governing is a biblical responsibility established for the well-being and flourishing of people in accordance with God’s purposes. One important role of governments is to prevent violence and chaos.
Considering Paul’s words quoted above, we remember that the purposes of God for his people this side of Christ’s return includes being on mission for the spread of the gospel so that all people may come to a knowledge of the truth.
His purpose is that the witness of his church may go forward unhindered by societal turbulence. However, by God’s grace, even in turbulent times and places his kingdom advances.
The governance of people and creation is a sacred trust, whether those who govern realize it or not. Those who serve in such positions will one day give an account to God for how they have stewarded their responsibility.
In the democratic world it is sometimes said that those who have been elected will give an account at the next voting polls. However, Christ’s followers know that this is not the end of the matter.
So then, how can we pray for men and women who serve in various systems of governance even though many may not be disciples of Christ? The following are a few thought prompters drawn from Scripture to help us pray.
- That God’s kingdom would come, and his will be done on earth as it is in heaven—in our nation, province, community and church.
- That people in government would be influenced by godly principles in such a way that they would be inclined to promote and enable godly values in society.
- That government leaders would act justly, love mercy and humbly walk with God.
- That those serving in government will not make decisions that would impede the advancement of the church’s mission and the spread of the gospel of Christ.
- That those who do not believe in Christ will encounter the gospel message and receive it with open hearts and minds, to the glory of the Lord.
- For those who are believers, that they will not become weary in well-doing or be swayed away from godly principles.
- That God would place people in proximity to decision-makers, whether as assistants or advisors, to speak a clear word of wisdom that would influence them to do right. We remember that God placed Joseph in Pharaoh’s house and Esther in the king’s palace to save multitudes.
The world, our nation, and our communities are at critical crossroads. You and I may not have a role in the halls of government, but we have a role and a place in the courts of God. Let’s pray believing in him, fixing our eyes on him who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.