Every Friday
“Praying for Leaders”
From Jack Hayford Ministries
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” — 1 Timothy 2:1
When the apostle Paul urges us to pray for all people, he is not offering a polite suggestion. He is giving the Church a divine assignment. At the top of that list are those in authority. Why? Because the peace of a nation and the advance of the gospel are often intertwined. When leadership is touched by God’s hand through the prayers of His people, doors open, hearts soften, and righteousness has room to grow.
Paul understood this. And he was not writing from a place of ease. He lived under Roman rule where emperors could be cruel and unjust. Still, he called the Church to intercede not with complaint, but with thanksgiving. This is not about a political preference. It is about having a kingdom perspective.
As believers, we are called to a priestly role, and intercession is part of that calling. We come before the throne of God not only with our own concerns but on behalf of presidents and governors, city leaders and policy makers, judges and educators. We pray in faith, trusting that God can guide a leader’s decisions, steady a nation, and make space for His truth to be proclaimed. In a time marked by unrest, confusion, and division, our call to prayer has never been more critical.
A Prayer for Today
Father, teach us to pray for those in authority with humility and faith. We lift up every leader across our cities, our nation, and around the world. Guide them with Your wisdom. Surround them with godly counsel. May Your purposes be accomplished so that peace may reign and the gospel may advance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.