Answers
By BGEA Admin • February 1, 2014 • Topics: Prayer
Q:
Every week, our pastor prays for our nation's leaders (and our local governmental leaders also), but I wonder if this really does any good. Our country has so many problems, and they don't seem to be getting any better, no matter how much people pray.
A:
No, the world isn’t perfect and neither are our leaders, but have you ever asked yourself how much worse things might be if we stopped praying for them? God’s ways are often hidden from us, but that doesn’t mean He isn’t at work, even if we don’t see it.
Why should we pray for those who are in places of authority? One reason is because the Bible commands it. The Bible says, “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” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Yes, your pastor obeys this command, but what about you? Have you ever asked yourself what might happen in our nation if God’s people consistently obeyed His command to pray?
We also should pray for our leaders because of the burdens they bear — burdens far heavier than most of us can ever imagine. They need God’s wisdom (whether they realize it or not), for without it, evil could have its way and our world would face even more serious problems. The Bible says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil” (Proverbs 8:13).
Never forget, however, that our ultimate hope is not in this world or its political systems, but in Jesus Christ. One day, He will come again to destroy all evil and establish His kingdom of perfect righteousness and peace. Is your hope and trust in Him?
Find resources on prayer:
Read more on this topic:
