As Christians, we’re citizens of heaven (Phil. 3:20). We have no lasting city here (Heb. 13:14). We might be tempted to withdraw from a culture that often feels foreign and hostile—to consider our leaders and our laws with contempt. Nonetheless, we are also citizens of the countries and states we live in, and that comes with certain obligations. We are subject to the governing authorities because they have received their authority from God (Rom. 13:1); we are to submit to and obey them (Titus 3:1); we are to respect and support their role in upholding justice and promoting good (1 Pet. 2:13). We’re also told to pray for them (1 Tim. 2:1–2). Below are a few ways we can faithfully and biblically pray for our leaders.
- Pray That Our Rulers Would Be Just
Throughout the Old and New Testament, the ruler’s primary task is clear: they are to enforce justice (Gen. 9:6, Rom. 13:3–4, 1 Pet. 2:14). As they reward good behavior and punish evil, they are serving as God’s ministers (Rom. 13:4). Leaders are not a power unto themselves but are God’s servants who carry out God’s purposes. We ought to pray for our rulers to exercise true justice—justice that is impartial, seeks to give each person their due regardless of peripheral circumstances, and benefits all citizens fairly (Lev. 19:15, Prov. 18:5).
- Pray That Our Rulers Would Have Wisdom
If rulers are to govern justly for the benefit of all people, they surely need wisdom. Every day, elected officials are confronted with a variety of decisions that could either benefit or negatively impact people. They must decide whether to go to war or make policies that impact the economy. They need wisdom to act justly, just as King Solomon recognized in his youth (1 Kings 3:9). We ought to pray to the source of wisdom to give it generously to those who lead us, especially as they make choices that could have drastic effects on our neighbors’ welfare (James 1:5).
- Pray That Our Rulers Would Be Well
Recognizing that kings and princes are instruments in the hand of God, we should pray for their well-being, trusting that God has a greater purpose for their lives than we can see or know. Even in the present, it’s of value to pray for our leaders and the welfare of their communities. The stability of their cities serves for our benefit too (Jer. 29:7). In praying for our leaders to flourish, we recognize that this helps create a climate for us to live quiet, godly, and virtuous lives (1 Tim 2:2). Though we know a hope and identity beyond what is present and tangible, we love our neighbors well when we pray and show concern for their welfare, and this includes our leaders and their families. After all, we know that rulers, like us, are not their own, but depend upon the providential care of God (Prov. 21:1).
Praying with Hope
Despite having dual citizenship (Phil. 3:20), Christians are called to be model citizens—not to care less about or neglect their earthly citizenships (1 Pet. 2:13, 15–17). Praying for our rulers is one aspect of living a godly life (1 Tim. 2:2) and a beautiful way to show honor and respect to them.
However, we must guard against being so focused on our earthly states that we forget we’re destined for a better city (Heb. 13:14, Rev. 21:2). While we honor our rulers, we know that we owe a greater allegiance and reverence to God (1 Pet. 2:17). Furthermore, Christians are not called to put their trust in rulers, but in the Lord (Ps. 20:7, 146:3, Prov. 3:5-6). Trusting in rulers can leave us empty and bitter. Instead, as we pray for the government officials in this sin-cursed world fractured by war, poverty, and political hostility, let it remind us of the coming day when Christ will return. On that glorious day, “The kingdom of the world [will] become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15).