In a democratic nation as Nigeria, it has now become the order of the day to criticize our leaders, people in authority, etc either because we're not satisfied with our standard of living, or the state of the economy, or we feel that can do better. Of course it is a common practice internationally, Democrats vs Republicans (USA), PDP vs APC (Nigeria), African National Congress vs Democratic Alliance (South Africa), etc as these oppositions acts as checks to the ruling parties through constructive criticisms.

But then what does the Bible advice us to do? This piece will briefly answer the question.

Prayer is important. And the Bible makes special mention of praying for those in positions of authority. Such authorities include government officials (international, national, and local) and pastors, church elders, school boards, school principals, employers, and the like.

Interceding for those in authority is not an option. It is a biblical command that we are to obey. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, 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”(1 Timothy 2:1-2, KJV).

Understand that the Apostle Paul is writing this instruction to his protégé Timothy at a time when the vile emperor Nero was at the helm of the vast Roman Empire. Christians were viciously persecuted, clothed in wild animal skins and put in the arena before hungry lions, even covered red in pitch and used as human lanterns to light the streets of Rome.
Nevertheless, the aged apostle, who would soon be martyred during Nero’s reign of terror, instructs Timothy to make prayer for the rulers of his day—including the deranged Nero—a personal priority.

There should be a sense of urgency in our prayer life, an
understanding that we “do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The prince of darkness is grimly and powerfully at work in world affairs, and prayer is a great battlefield especially as we pray for those in leadership.

When the Scripture says that the “king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water” (Proverbs 21:1), it means that a Sovereign God can turn the heart of a king (leader) at any time and in any way. If there are policies and platforms that don’t conform to biblical ethics, the intercession of Christians can be used in a powerful, transforming way.

It is also very clear that the ultimate reason the Bible instructs us to intercede on behalf of our leaders is so that they might come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. “This (our intercession) is good and acceptable in the sight
of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

God’s desire is that as many people as possible be saved before He returns. He commands “all men everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30), so that they might escape the eternal wrath of God at the judgment.

Praying for those in authority means that we are constantly
asking that the Lord will open their hearts to the truth of the Gospel message, and receive Christ as their Savior. Born-again leaders have the indwelling person of the Holy Spirit to guide them as they seek to govern.

We do not pray for our leaders merely for our own benefit. Leadership can be a tiring task.

James 3:1 says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

Leaders carry a degree of responsibility to their followers. They are often the targets of criticism and the go-to people in a crisis. If they are leading well, they are living their lives in service. We pray for them because we recognize the greatness of their task and because we are grateful for their willingness to lead.

So how should we pray for our leaders? First, if we are uncertain that they know Jesus, we should pray for their salvation. But whether or not our leaders are Christians, we should pray that God will guide them as they guide us. We should pray that they be
wise and discerning and surrounded by helpful advisors. We know that God has placed our leaders in authority over us ( Romans 13:1 ), and we can ask
Him to use them as He will. We should also pray for their protection. When praying for pastors or ministry leaders, we can pray for them to have strength in the midst of spiritual warfare and to remain encouraged in the Lord. We should pray for their families, who often feel scrutinized and bear
an extra load.

Briefly stated, we should mention our leaders before God in prayer and ask Him to have His way in their hearts, to support those around them, and to use their leadership to benefit their followers.

God bless you and wish you a great week ahead.

Cc: Lalasticlala Seun