Praying on Inauguration Day
The command to pray for those in authority is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. It transcends political boundaries, cultural differences, and the shifting tides of history. Rooted in God’s sovereignty and His redemptive purposes, the practice of interceding for leaders is not merely a suggestion but a divine mandate for the Church. Drawing from a broad background of evangelical and Reformed theology, we can explore why and how we are called to pray for those in authority and the transformative impact this can have on individuals, communities, and nations.
The Biblical Mandate to Pray for Leaders
The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy with these words:
"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" (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV).
This passage is foundational for understanding our responsibility to pray for those in authority. The phrase "all those in authority" encompasses political leaders, judges, military officials, law enforcement, and any position of influence that impacts the well-being of society.
Paul’s instruction is particularly striking when considered against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, where rulers were often antagonistic toward Christians. Yet, Paul does not call for rebellion or disengagement but for prayer—interceding for the very authorities who might persecute believers. This reflects a Christ-centered ethic: the power of prayer transcends human hostility and aligns us with God’s sovereign plan.
Why Pray for Those in Authority?
1. God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
Reformed theology emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty, as seen in verses like Daniel 2:21:
"He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others."
Every ruler, whether just or unjust, rises and falls under God’s providence. When we pray for those in authority, we acknowledge that their power is derived from God and subject to His purposes. This perspective safeguards us from despair in the face of corrupt leadership, and fosters hope that God is at work even in seemingly dire circumstances.
2. To Seek Peace and Justice
Paul’s instruction in 1 Timothy 2:2 ties prayer for leaders to the aspiration for "peaceful and quiet lives." Leaders wield significant influence over the conditions in which people live, work, and worship. Praying for their wisdom, integrity, and ability to promote justice aligns with God’s concern for human flourishing.
John Calvin, a towering figure in Reformed thought, taught that Christians should earnestly pray for leaders because “their good government is of great benefit to us all.” When leaders govern justly, societies thrive, the church can worship freely, and God’s name is glorified.
3. For the Advancement of the Gospel
In the same passage, Paul links prayers for leaders to the salvation of souls:
"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3-4).
Stable governance often creates conditions where the gospel can spread unhindered. For example, the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace in the Roman Empire, enabled the early church to carry the message of Christ across vast regions. Praying for wise leadership is not merely a political act but a missional one, contributing to the advance of God’s kingdom.
How to Pray for Those in Authority
Praying for leaders can sometimes feel abstract, especially when we are distant from the political process or disheartened by the state of governance. However, Scripture and Reformed tradition offer practical ways to structure our prayers.
1. Pray for Wisdom and Discernment
Solomon’s prayer for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9 provides a template:
"Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong."
Leaders face complex decisions that affect millions of lives. Pray that God grants them insight, clarity, and the courage to pursue what is right, even in the face of opposition.
2. Pray for Integrity and Accountability
Proverbs 11:3 reminds us:
"The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity."
Pray that leaders would act with honesty and be held accountable by righteous advisors. Ask God to remove corruption and replace it with leaders who prioritize the common good over personal gain.
3. Pray for Protection and Strength
Leadership often comes with immense pressure and scrutiny. Psalm 72, a prayer for the king, includes this petition:
"May he endure as long as the sun, as long as the moon, through all generations" (v. 5).
Pray for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of leaders, asking God to sustain them under the weight of their responsibilities.
4. Pray for Salvation
Ultimately, the greatest good we can ask for any leader is their salvation. Pray that they encounter the transformative power of the gospel and lead from a place of submission to Christ.
The Challenges of Praying for Leaders
When Leaders Are Unjust
If we live long enough, we will have ample opportunity to pray for government office-holders at all levels with whom we have significant disagreements, as well as those who are manifestly unjust, unwise, and unfaithful to their duties. Praying for leaders can be difficult, especially when they promote policies or actions that are contrary to God’s revealed will. The Psalms offer a guide for lamenting injustice while trusting in God’s ultimate justice. Psalm 2, for instance, declares:
"The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord... The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them" (vv. 2-4).
Even as we cry out against injustice, we can pray for repentance and transformation, trusting that God’s authority supersedes human power.
2. Avoiding Partisanship
In our often polarized political conversations and climate, it’s tempting to pray for leaders based on personal political preferences. However, Scripture calls us to pray for "all those in authority," regardless of party or ideology. This reflects the gospel’s universality and our primary allegiance to God’s kingdom. When Paul wrote that letter to Timothy, Nero was Emperor, a manifestly brutal and wicked man who would later persecute the Church in Rome and be identified with the Beast in Revelation 13. Yet, the Church prayed for him.
Modern elections had no place in Roman society, and so it’s impossible to simply overlay “then” on “now” and act as if these two timeframes are the same. Prayer does not excuse Christians from speaking about and working for the cause of justice and righteousness in society, but prayer is the first work - the first voice raised - in that aspect of our mission.
Moreover, prayer is not performative. Many turn prayer for officeholders into a public performance that sometimes appears to be nothing more than an attempt to court the favor of power. There is only one place of authority we should ever fully endorse and from where we should ever seek favor. We pray because life flows from the throne of heaven, not the steps of the Capitol. We can be thankful we are citizens of an eternal and unshakable kingdom of grace & peace as we carry out our various responsibilities as citizens of a nation.
The Transformative Power of Prayer
When Christians faithfully intercede for those in authority, the impact extends far beyond individual leaders. Prayer changes the hearts of those who pray, cultivating humility, compassion, and trust in God’s sovereignty. It also serves as a witness to the watching world, demonstrating that the church seeks the welfare of all people, even those with whom it disagrees.
Moreover, history testifies to the power of prayer in shaping nations. The Reformation itself was birthed in an environment saturated with prayer, as believers sought God’s renewal of church and society. Today, the church is called to continue this legacy, standing in the gap for a world in desperate need of God’s grace.
Let Us Pray
Praying for those in authority is a sacred duty that reflects our trust in God’s sovereignty, our desire for peace and justice, and our commitment to the advancement of the gospel. It is not a passive act but a powerful means of participating in God’s redemptive work in the world.
As we pray, may we be reminded of the words of Proverbs 21:1:
"The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will."
In this confidence, let us commit to praying fervently, persistently, and joyfully for those in authority, trusting that God hears and answers according to His perfect will. Even if prayer is politicized on the one hand or forbidden on the other, let us be like Daniel who, despite the King’s folly and the wicked intentions of his Counselors, “went home to his upper room with the windows open to Jerusalem… got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, as he had done before…asking God for help” (Daniel 5:10-11).