Tag: pray

From Apathy to Action: Why Praying for Good Government is a Priority for Christians 

Introduction

Many Christians in the UK feel disconnected from government, often dismissing all politicians as unworthy of attention due to widespread distrust. This disengagement can lead believers to view politics as irrelevant to their faith. Yet, Scripture presents a different call: praying for good government is a biblical priority and a cornerstone of Christian prayer life. Three passages—1 Timothy 2:1-4, Jeremiah 29:7, and Romans 13:1-4—explicitly command believers to intercede for leaders, revealing its centrality to faith. Such prayers foster peace, advance the Gospel, and align society with God’s purposes, countering apathy with obedient trust in His sovereignty.

An AI generated image of parliament like buildings in a cityscape 

Biblical Commands to Pray for Good Government

Scripture unequivocally commands Christians to pray for those in authority, positioning this practice as a foundational priority. A close examination of three passages reveals the depth and urgency of this call, grounding it in God’s redemptive plan.

1 Timothy 2:1-4: The Foremost Priority of Prayer

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Paul’s use of “first of all” is striking, marking prayer for leaders as the primary focus of Christian intercession. This is not a casual suggestion but a deliberate directive, placing prayers for kings, governors, and all in authority at the forefront of the church’s spiritual practice. The Greek term prōton (first) underscores priority in rank, not merely sequence, suggesting that this prayer is foundational to Christian worship. Paul’s comprehensive terms—supplications (requests for needs), prayers (general communion with God), intercessions (pleas on behalf of others), and thanksgivings—call for a multifaceted approach to praying for leaders, regardless of their character or policies. The purpose is twofold: to enable believers to live “peaceful and quiet” lives conducive to godliness and to support God’s desire for “all people to be saved.” This links prayer for government directly to evangelism, as stable societies facilitate the Gospel’s spread. Christians are thus called to prioritise intercession for leaders, trusting God to work through even flawed authorities to achieve His redemptive purposes.

Jeremiah 29:7: Praying for a Hostile Nation’s Welfare

“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7). This command, given to Israelites exiled in Babylon, is remarkable for its context. Babylon was a pagan, oppressive empire, yet God instructs His people to pray for its well-being. The Hebrew word shalom (welfare) implies peace, prosperity, and wholeness, suggesting prayers for holistic societal good. This directive reveals that God ties the flourishing of His people to the health of the surrounding society, even under hostile rule. The call to “pray to the Lord” indicates that intercession is the primary means of seeking this welfare, placing prayer at the heart of civic engagement. For modern Christians, this passage challenges disengagement, urging prayers for local and national governments—whether supportive or antagonistic—as their stability directly impacts believers’ ability to live faithfully. Jeremiah’s command underscores that praying for government is not optional but integral to God’s plan for His people’s spiritual and social thriving.

Romans 13:1-4: Submitting to God’s Appointed Authorities

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. … For he is God’s servant for your good” (Romans 13:1-4). Paul asserts that all governing authorities are established by God, serving as His instruments for order and justice. The Greek exousia (authority) emphasizes God’s sovereign appointment of rulers, whether emperors or local officials. This theological foundation implies a duty to pray for leaders to fulfil their God-given role as “servants for good,” promoting justice and punishing evil. While submission to authority is the primary focus, prayer naturally follows, as intercession seeks God’s guidance for leaders to align with His purposes. This passage calls Christians to trust in God’s sovereignty over governance, praying for authorities—such as MPs or councillors—to act justly, thereby fostering a society where righteousness prevails. Romans 13 elevates prayer for government as an act of faith in God’s ultimate authority.

Why Praying for Good Government Matters

Praying for good government is vital for several reasons. First, it produces peace, enabling Christians to lead “a peaceful and quiet life” (1 Timothy 2:2), free from persecution or chaos, where faith can flourish. Second, it supports Gospel advancement, as stable governance creates opportunities for evangelism, aligning with God’s desire for “all people to be saved” (1 Timothy 2:4). Third, it promotes justice, as governments are God’s servants to uphold good and punish evil (Romans 13:4). Prayer aligns leaders with God’s heart, benefiting society. Finally, in a distrustful culture, praying for all leaders reflects Christlike humility, distinguishing Christians as agents of reconciliation. Early Christians prayed for Roman emperors despite persecution, showing the timeless power of such prayers.

Practical Steps for Praying for Good Government

  1. Specific Prayers: Pray for leaders’ wisdom and integrity, covering local councillors, MPs, and global figures.
  2. Consistent Practice: Include prayers for government in daily devotions, using 1 Timothy 2:1’s framework.
  3. Community Prayer: Join church groups to pray collectively for leaders, amplifying impact.
  4. Faithful Trust: Pray with confidence in God’s sovereignty (Romans 13:1), even when outcomes are uncertain.

Conclusion

Praying for good government is a biblical priority, rooted in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Jeremiah 29:7, and Romans 13:1-4. These passages reveal its centrality to Christian prayer, fostering peace, justice, and Gospel advancement. Believers must move beyond disengagement, prioritising intercession for leaders. Through prayer, Christians participate in God’s redemptive work, transforming nations for His glory.

One Heart and Soul – Andy Brown

We conclude Acts 4 today, thinking about verses 31-37. When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 32 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2020/06/11/one-heart-and-soul/

Continue in Christ – Andy Brown

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him Colossians 2:6 (ESV) In his letter to the Colossians, Paul is here urging them to stick with the Gospel they heard. That Gospel was Christ-centred. Paul points out it was all about Him, and that there were no bells or whistles – Christ…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2018/03/15/continue-in-christ/

#TestimonyTuesday: A Prayerful Miracle

Throughout 2022 the BerryBunch had a few times of leave/holiday. But these were, each, ruined by illness and sickness. As we approached our 3 week …

#TestimonyTuesday: A Prayerful Miracle

This Sunday at Church: Pray for those who recently got married in your Church

Marriage is never easy, and couples starting out their journey together require much prayer. Are there couples in your church you could pray for today?

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Pray for those who recently got married in your Church. Someone in our Tuesday …

This Sunday at Church: Pray for those who recently got married in your Church

This Sunday at Church: Praying for your Church’s Outreach Effort

I often share from this wonderful series on a Sunday. Today’s post is particularly powerful so I really do encourage you to give it a read.

This Sunday at Church I want to encourage you to do the following: Praying for your church outreach effort.  It might mean someone’s eternity with …

This Sunday at Church: Praying for your Church’s Outreach Effort

When one door closes another one opens (RB)

Do spare a thought and a prayer for brother Dean at this time. Thanks for reading.

Hi everyone! Hope that you are well and have had a great Christmas! How was Christmas for you? I have been quiet lately in the blogging sphere. To be…

When one door closes another one opens

Poor Little Fig Tree – Andy Brown (Best of 2022)

On Tuesday, I wrote a post entitled Anything, which looked at the awesome power of prayer. Yesterday, I shared a post called – A Fig Tree – which picked up that theme, and was written by the excellent blogger Bruce Cooper. Some comments on these posts highlighted to me that many do not fully understand…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2022/06/23/poor-little-fig-tree/

Prayer and Sovereignty – Andy Brown

If God is sovereign, then what is the purpose of prayer? Why do we pray at all?

Today I share an article I wrote a few years ago, trying to address this very subject.



A couple of years ago, I was challenged about my view of God’s Sovereignty. I once believe that He did not control all things, but rather had delegated some control (for want of a better term) to humankind. Yet, a careful look at the Bible made me question this view, and ultimately dismiss it. God…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2020/07/14/prayer-and-sovereignty/

Serving Christians (Psalm 100 #2) – Andy Brown

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!2     Serve the Lord with gladness!    Come into his presence with singing!3 Know that the Lord, he is God!    It is he who made us, and we are his;[a]    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving,    and his…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2021/05/20/serving-christians-psalm-100-2/

Reflection-13 September 2022

If you live outside of the UK, it may be difficult to grasp the magnitude of feeling surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Talking to many people about this, lots feel a genuine sense of loss at her death. Few have actually met her, and yet have been impacted by her passing.

Her many decades of service, her kindness, and her Christian faith all play a part in this.

Another reason people have felt her death so profoundly is because it reminds us of our own losses. for me, this event has reminded me of my own late grandmother – who we affectionately referred to as the Queen of our family.

If you are experiencing loss at the moment, the pain of grief, or have been reminded of such things, then I pray for you today.

Heavenly father, we thank you for the life and service of our late Queen. we pray for her family at the moment, asking you to comfort them, and indeed, to comfort all those who feel her loss.

Lord, I pray for all of those who are reminded of their own grief at the moment. May you also comfort them, strengthening them and giving them peace.

Let us remember, with Thanksgiving, those we have lost. we thank you, dear God, for the impact these people have had on our lives. We pray to, that we may be a positive influence in the lives of those around us.

We thank you heavenly father, for your grace and mercy toward us. May you bless King Charles and the UK government with wisdom at this time, as they lead the nation.

As we consider the Christian example of our late Queen, may the nation of the UK return to faith in Christ.

In Jesus name I pray

Amen

Pray for People #SundaySuggestion

One of the best things about a church fellowship is the variety of the members. In virtually no other setting do you find people of such varying age or experience. Think about it, most of your friends are likely a similar age to you, or in the same season of life. In church though, you could just as easily be sat next to a young family or an octogenarian.

No matter what the age profile of your church, today I am suggesting you identify an individual or family and set about praying for them consistently throughout this week. You might choose someone you know well, or you may decide to select a family you have spent little time with. Either way, make them your prayer mission for the week.

People are generally very appreciative of prayer. I know I need a lot of prayer coverage, and so if someone offered to set about praying for me for a week, I’d be very glad of it.

People appreciate #prayer – I know I do! #Pray for someone this #Sunday #Bible #Jesus #Church

What would be even better though is to let them know. Don’t just pray for them at a distance, tell them that this is what you are doing. You can even ask them what is happening that week that you could specifically pray for. Use your phone or a notebook to write things down if your memory is not all that reliable.

You can pray for the spiritual health of the family, that God would bless their working lives, that the Lord would protect them from harm this week, and that the Holy Spirit would reveal God’s love to them in a new or deeper way. Pray for their health. Pray for their home. Pray for their time with God to be productive and fruitful.

Do not merely ask for things though, remember to thank God for them and for their place in your fellowship.

Listen to what God is telling you too, as He may have a word of encouragement for them.

If you really feel led to, you could keep a prayer journal over the course of the week and present it back to them the following Sunday. What a blessing that would be!

I hope that this exercise will not just be a blessing to them, but it will encourage and uplift you also. What a privilege it is to stand alongside someone and invite the Lord into their lives.

#Pray without ceasing – #Bible #Jesus #Prayer #Christianity

Have a great day and a productive week in prayer!