The Bible instructs believers to pray for those who govern or rule over them, for kings and those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1,2).  It does not require that the leaders for whom the prayers are offered be Christians or even good people.  We are simply called to pray.

Given the kind and quality of decisions and actions demanded of leaders today, this instruction to pray is as important now as it was in the first century.  Every follower of Jesus should be engaged in prayer for those in authority.  We might disagree with their politics, doubt their motives and fear the consequences of their decisions, but, nonetheless, we should be praying for them.  We might vote against them, sign petitions against them and contribute financially to their opposition, but still we should be praying for them.

So, how should we pray?  For what should we appeal to God?  I think wisdom.  In a world of conflict and chaos, of precipitous changes, shifting alignments and a blurring of much of what once seemed clear, I think we should pray that leaders be wise.

But, here’s the rub, dear faithful brothers and sisters, the Bible contains God’s definition of wisdom, and this Godly wisdom is surely what we should be seeking for those in authority (and for ourselves).  Here is the wisdom we should be praying for:

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:13-18)

Can you pray this?

Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed and glorious is your name. I pray now for [insert the name of a person in authority] and ask that You would grant them Your wisdom. Let them demonstrate that wisdom by their humble life and good works.  Remove the bitter envy and selfish ambition from the hidden places of their heart. Don’t let them be fooled. Rather, let them know that disruption, disorder, deceit, and every other evil practice are not of You, Father, but earthly, unspiritual and, yes, demonic.

Father, I pray the intent, choices, decisions and actions of [name] would be marked by purity and would evidence their love of peace.  I pray they would be considerate of others, even those who oppose them and that they would possess an attitude of submissiveness, first to You, and then to serve the needs of others.  Let them be full of mercy for those who might offend them and full of acts of goodness and compassion for everyone.  Though they are in authority and have the power to pick favorites, choose winners and to reward members of their tribe, let them act with impartiality and true sincerity.  Father, make them a peacemaker, a sower of peace, a harvester of righteousness.  Let them be wise with the wisdom that comes from above.

Amen.