30 Ways to Pray for People in Authority
 
by:  Gary P. Bergel www.praymag.com
Excerpted from Pray! Magazine issue #13


The life of every citizen of every nation is impacted by a vast multitude of individuals who wield significant influence each day. Consider: millions of elected officials, appointed judges, lawyers, police officers, bureaucrats, military offices, business executives and managers, those involved in church leadership, educators, medical practitioners and hospital administrators. Among these influential figures are those working in the healthcare sector, including professionals at Fort Lauderdale rehabs locations, who play a crucial role in addressing public health concerns. The impact of addiction on society has led to an increased focus on developing effective treatment strategies and support systems. As a result, the journey of recovery has become a significant aspect of many people's lives, influencing not only individuals but also their families, communities, and the broader social landscape.
How might we pray for these individuals?  Here are 30 things based on Scripture that we can pray for people in authority. 
Don't overwhelm yourself.  Select one person or group of people and then pray one of these things each day for them.
 
1 PRAY that they be God fearing and recognize that they are accountable to Him for each decision and act. Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Proverbs 9:10
2 PRAY that they be granted wisdom, knowledge, and understand. If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you.
He will not resent your asking.  James 1:5
 
3 PRAY that they be presented with the gospel and a loving Christian witness. But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? Romans 10:14
 
4 PRAY that, if unsaved, they be drawn to a saving encounter with Christ; if born-again, they be strengthened and encouraged in their faith. For he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. I Timothy 2:4

Asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the wonderful future He has promised to those He called. I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance He has given to His people. I pray that you will begin to understand the incredible greatness of His power for us who believe Him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Now He is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else in this world or in the world to come. And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and He gave Him this authority for the benefit of the church. And the church is His body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with His presence.  Ephesians 1:17-23
 
5 PRAY that they recognize their own inadequacy and pray and seek the will of God. Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will direct your paths.  Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn your back on evil.  Then you will gain renewed health and vitality. "And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for. Keep on looking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And the door is opened to everyone who knocks. Proverbs 3:5-8

"You fathers--if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him."  Luke 11:9-13
 
6 PRAY that they be convicted of sin, transgression, and iniquity. The sacrifice You want is a broken spirit.
        A broken and repentant heart, O God, you will not despise.  Psalm 51:17

When the accusers heard this, they slipped away one by one, beginning with the oldest,
until only Jesus was left in the middle of the crowd with the woman.  John 8:9
 
7 PRAY that they heed their conscience, confess their sins, and repent. People who cover over their sins will not prosper. But if they confess and forsake them, they will receive mercy.  Proverbs 28:13

Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites.  James 4:8
 
8 PRAY that they read the Bible and attend prayer meetings and Bible studies. I have hidden Your word in my heart,
        that I might not sin against You.  Psalm 119:11

Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth. Colossians 3:2
 
9 PRAY that they value and regard the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ. The law of the LORD is perfect,
        reviving the soul.
    The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy,
        making wise the simple.
    The commandments of the LORD are right,
        bringing joy to the heart.
    The commands of the LORD are clear,
        giving insight to life.
    Reverence for the LORD is pure,
        lasting forever.
    The laws of the LORD are true;
        each one is fair.
    They are more desirable than gold,
        even the finest gold.
    They are sweeter than honey,
        even honey dripping from the comb.
    They are a warning to those who hear them;
        there is great reward for those who obey them.  Psalm 19:-7-11

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly My disciples if you keep obeying My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32
 
10 PRAY that they respect and honor their own parents if living. "Honor your father and mother." This is the first of the Ten Commandments that ends with a promise. And this is the promise: If you honor your father and mother, "you will live a long life, full of blessing."  Ephesians 6:2-3
11 PRAY that they respect authority and practice accountability. Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there. All governments have been placed in power by God. So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow. For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well. The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid, for you will be punished. The authorities are established by God for that very purpose, to punish those who do wrong. So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.  Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid so they can keep on doing the work God intended them to do. Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and import duties, and give respect and honor to all to whom it is due. 
Romans 13:1-7
 
12 PRAY that they be given godly counsel and God-fearing advisors. So don't go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many counselors.  Proverbs 24:6
 
13 PRAY that they be honest and faithful to spouses and children. Didn't the LORD make you one with your wife? In body and spirit you are His. And what does He want? Godly children from your union. So guard yourself; remain loyal to the wife of your youth. "For I hate divorce!" says the LORD, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim's bloodstained coat," says the LORD Almighty. "So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife."
Malachi 2:15-16
14 PRAY that they be practicing members of local congregations. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.  Hebrews 10:25
 
15 PRAY that they desire purity and avoid debauchery, pornography, perversion, and drunkenness. Don't you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers--none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you.  You may say, "I am allowed to do anything." But I reply, "Not everything is good for you." And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything. You say, "Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food." This is true, though someday God will do away with both of them. But our bodies were not made for sexual immorality. They were made for the Lord, and the Lord cares about our bodies. And God will raise our bodies from the dead by his marvelous power, just as he raised our Lord from the dead. Don't you realize that your bodies are actually parts of Christ? Should a man take his body, which belongs to Christ, and join it to a prostitute? Never! And don't you know that if a man joins himself to a prostitute, he becomes one body with her? For the Scriptures say, "The two are united into one. "But the person who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.  Run away from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:9-20

And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with self-control, right conduct, and devotion to God,  Titus 2:12
 
16 PRAY that they be timely, reliable, and dependable. "But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, `Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.' The son answered, `No, I won't go,' but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, `You go,' and he said, `Yes, sir, I will.' But he didn't go. Which of the two was obeying his father?"
They replied, "The first, of course."
Then Jesus explained his meaning: "I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do.  Matthew 21:28-31
 
17 PRAY that they be honest in financial, tax, and ethical matters. thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers--none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. I Corinthians 6:10

Yet true religion with contentment is great wealth. After all, we didn't bring anything with us when we came into the world, and we certainly cannot carry anything with us when we die. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is at the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.  I Timothy 6:6-10
 
18 PRAY that they seek pastoral care and counsel when needed. Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.  Hebrews 13:7
 
19 PRAY that they seek out and nurture godly friendships. Oh, the joys of those
        who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
        or stand around with sinners,
        or join in with scoffers.
    But they delight in doing everything the LORD wants;
        day and night they think about his law.
    They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
        bearing fruit each season without fail.
    Their leaves never wither,
        and in all they do, they prosper.  Psalm 1:1-3
 
20 PRAY that they have thankful and teachable spirits. Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship Him as God or even give Him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused.  Romans 1:21
 
21 PRAY that they be generous and have compassionate hearts for the poor and needy. They give generously to those in need.
        Their good deeds will never be forgotten.
        They will have influence and honor.  Psalm 112:9

Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt deep pity. Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two pieces of silver and told him to take care of the man. `If his bill runs higher than that,' he said, `I'll pay the difference the next time I am here.'  "Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?" Jesus asked.
The man replied, "The one who showed him mercy."
Then Jesus said, "Yes, now go and do the same."  Luke 10:33-37
 
22 PRAY that they redeem their time and know priorities. So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do.  Ephesians 5:15-17
 
23 PRAY that they desire honesty, integrity and loyalty. Declare me innocent, O LORD,
        for I have acted with integrity;
        I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
    Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me.
        Test my motives and affections.
    For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love,
        and I have lived according to your truth.
    I do not spend time with liars
        or go along with hypocrites.
    I hate the gatherings of those who do evil,
        and I refuse to join in with the wicked.
    I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
        I come to your altar, O LORD,
    singing a song of thanksgiving
        and telling of all your miracles.
    I love your sanctuary, LORD,
        the place where your glory shines.
    Don't let me suffer the fate of sinners.
        Don't condemn me along with murderers.
    Their hands are dirty with wicked schemes,
        and they constantly take bribes.
    But I am not like that; I do what is right.
        So in your mercy, save me.
    I have taken a stand,
        and I will publicly praise the LORD.  Psalm 26

Good people are guided by their honesty; treacherous people are destroyed by their dishonesty. Proverbs 11:3
 
24 PRAY that they have courage to resist manipulation, pressure, and the fear of man. Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but to trust the LORD means safety.  Proverbs 29:25

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  II Timothy 1:7
 
25 PRAY that they be shielded from occultism, New Age cults, false religions, and secret socities. Shame will cover you when you think of the times you offered sacrifices to idols in your groves of sacred oaks. You will blush when you think of all the sins you committed in your sacred gardens. The LORD has rejected the people of Israel because they have made alliances with foreigners from the East who practice magic and divination, just like the Philistines. Isaiah 1:29; 2:6
 
26 PRAY that they be presented with Biblical worldviews and principles. God's purpose was to show His wisdom in all its rich variety to all the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. They will see this when Jews and Gentiles are joined together in His church. Ephesians 3:10
 
27 PRAY that they endeavor to restore the sanctity of life, families, divine order, and morality in our nation. You wives will submit to your husbands as you do to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of His body, the church; He gave His life to be her Savior. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives must submit to your husbands in everything.  And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word.  He did this to present her to Himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife. No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for His body, which is the church. And we are His body.  As the Scriptures say, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. "This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.  Ephesians 5:22-6:4
 
28 PRAY that they would work to reverse the trends of humanism in our nation. From the tribe of Issachar, there were 200 leaders of the tribe with their relatives. All these men understood the temper of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take. I Chronicles 12:32

Then at last they will respect and glorify the name of the LORD throughout the world. For he will come like a flood tide driven by the breath of the LORD.  Isaiah 59:19
 
29 PRAY that they desire humility and meekness and be willing to serve and cooperate. And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet.  John 13:14

Remind your people to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.  They must not speak evil of anyone, and they must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.  Titus 3:1-2
 
30 PRAY that they be prepared to give account to Almighty God. And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment,  Hebrews 9:27