Are You Really Supposed to Submit and Pray for Government Leaders?
This is a tough topic. Most of us don’t want to talk about it because it typically elicits a strong response from one point of view or the other. But here we go…
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.
Romans 13:1
This is one of those verses we’d prefer to just shrug off and ignore. Surely Paul couldn’t know how bad things have gotten over the past years. He couldn’t possibly have meant that we should submit to elected officials from that other political party.
But the truth is, Paul was writing this letter to Christians in the epicenter of the Roman empire. The government that had murdered his Savior, was persecuting his brothers and sisters in faith, and the one that would imprison and kill him as well.
Whether we like it or not, God’s Word consistently tells us to obey the government. The only exception is if obeying the government means disobeying God.
Peter told the leaders commanding him to stop teaching in Jesus’ name.
“We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
Acts 5:29
Besides submitting, God’s Word also tells us to show respect and pray for those who serve as government leaders.
But lately it feels like disrespecting leaders with whom we disagree has become our national pastime. And I’ll admit I’ve had times when it’s been easier to judge a leader than it has been to pray for them. But God didn’t command us to only pray for the ones with whom we agree or when we agree . . . He simply told us to pray.
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1–2
So let’s ask God for wisdom to know and obey His will, to speak the truth with gentleness and respect when appropriate, and to show respect and submit to those in authority as He commands. And let’s also ask Him to work in the hearts and minds of government leaders that they might trust and obey His will.
A Prayer for God to Work in Us and in Our Government Leaders.
Father, some people believe the government is so corrupt Christians should not be involved at all and others believe that followers of Jesus have a responsibility to get involved.
Whatever, our views . . . Your Word, clearly says that we are to submit to a nation’s laws unless those laws ask us to violate Your commands.
Today, I’m praying and asking You to give me wisdom in government affairs. I ask You to give me everything I need to trust and obey You. I ask that You will give me the courage and strength I need to always speak the truth with gentleness and respect. And I ask that You will work in our leaders . . . that You will transform the hearts and minds of our government leaders to know, trust, and obey Your truth that they might lead us in ways that honor Your commands.
Father, Your Word tells us, “if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) Please forgive us. Heal us. Guide us by Your truth. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Friend, you and I are called to be good citizens of the state as representatives of Jesus.
Later in Romans 13, Paul wrote:
Give respect and honor to those who are in authority. Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.
Romans 13:7b–8
May you and I focus on showing love and respect to everyone . . . our government leaders and our neighbors; and may we pray that God might forgive us, grant us wisdom, and heal our land.
On today’s note write:
May we trust God’s will and show honor and respect to everyone including our government leaders.
May God bless us and give us His peace in our nation, our neighborhood, and our home.
Thanks for the uplifting message for today. Blessings to you.
Thank you, Betty Jo. God bless you!
???????????? Forget about that one????
Guilty ????????
Thanks Deb, as always, I needed that????!
And as always, you are such a blessing to my mornings☀️????
Have a great weekend!
I think it’s a reminder we all need, Kathie! I know I needed it too! Thanks and blessings!
Amen, Deb! This is the perfect message for the Fourth. Blessings!
Thank you, Martha! Don’t you just love God’s timing. That was the chapter scheduled for July 2. His blessings always!
Some folks haven’t heard this, others have forgotten, that we are citizens of the Kingdom of God, and if we walk by faith and not by sight we will prevail in any culture. The NT isn’t only for USA or Western Civ. Russian, Eritrean, Syrian, N.Korean, &c., christians must pray for their leaders also.
Thanks for the post. It is probably most significant considering what has happened over the past 50 years in the USA Government.
We must push not only for healing, but for folks to be reconciled to God. We also need to be doing many things differently, to correct the errors of previous Administrations.
Heb12:12Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. 14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
I completely agree, Gregory! Oh, that our hearts would be turned back to God as a nation. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord! That is my prayer every single day! Thank you again for your kindness. God bless you!
Interesting read. Well done and thank u for this reminder. Blessings x
Thank you, Lauren! God bless you!
May we bless and pray for all people, including ourselves and those in authority asking the Holy Spirit to guide us all in making the right choices and decisions, especially those that will affect others. All wisdom comes from the Lord. Blessings!
Angela – Ireland
Amen, Angela! Oh, how we need His Spirit to guide us in all that we do. God be with you and bless you today!
Can you tell me what specific rules/mandates we should obey from the government? Shutting down the church? Wearing cloth masks that don’t work? Vaccine mandates to keep a job or eat in a restaurant? Im curious.
I think of “church people” attending church & ignoring the the Nazis taking Jewish people to concentration camps to be tortured, starved & burned.
Thanks for your response.
What a good question. One I think many of us ponder on a regular basis. First of all, I think we can be certain that we are called to pray about all of these issues in our country and around the world. I also believe that Scripture is clear that we are to obey God and if the government asks us to disobey or dishonor Him we must stand strong in faith. Here is a page of verses that speak to this – Verses about Obeying God Rather than Man
Some of your specific questions about masks, vaccines, etc. I think many of those things fall into a gray area where each person must prayerfully follow whatever the Holy Spirit lays on their heart. I imagine that’s not as clear as you wanted. I believe the goal is for God’s children to show love and compassion for each other even when we disagree. But yes, if we are being told to sin, we have to stand strong in faith and obedience. Thanks for visiting and for your question. Blessings!