Tag: prayers

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/

UK Christian Bloggers – Andy Brown (Best of 2022)

For my final best of the year series of posts, I want to share one from the UK Christian bloggers.

Over the last year, a group of UK-based bloggers have been getting together regularly to pray and swap stories. It’s been a tremendous encouragement. I want to publicly thank each and everyone of them today.

If you are looking for something to read or watch, do check out their blogs. There is some wonderful material there and you will not be disappointed.



Hi! My name is Andy Brown, you may remember me from such blogs as andy-brown.org…! It has indeed been some time since my last proper post, although I have tried to share some older material and some great posts from friends and fellow bloggers. Life has gotten rather busy and my writing has suffered. I…
— Read on andy-brown.org/2022/06/18/uk-christian-bloggers/

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/

Change of plans

It was my intention this week, to begin a series on Psalm 37 and to also write about the Prodigal son. however, I have had a change of plans…

Unfortunately my father had a pretty bad fall at the weekend, and has had a stay in hospital.

I thank God his injuries were not worse, and I’m pleased to report he is now home.

It has been a tough situation on all the family, so would very much welcome your prayers at this time.

As you can imagine, I have not had much time to write! in the next few days therefore, I will share some older posts of mine and posts from fellow bloggers who I am sure you will enjoy reading.

I hope that normal life, whatever that is, will resume again shortly and I can return to my keyboard.

In the meantime, I thank God that he is indeed in control. He has watched over us as a family, and I praise him for that.

If you are going through a difficult time at the moment, I can relate! I would love the opportunity to pray for you to, so do get in touch.

Have a fabulous day, whatever you are getting up to, and keep on keeping on! don’t allow a change of plans to derail your faith, and know that Christ is always with you.

Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks

I enjoyed reading this post over lunch today, so I thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy it too rejoice always and give thanks! Praise the Lord!

God our Father’s will for us is that we partake in joy everlasting, pray to Him always and praise Him in thanksgiving. By doing these things, we are …

Rejoice, Pray and Give Thanks

Home Group Healing #TestimonyTuesday

One evening, a group of Christians and I met together for a home group (this was in a previous church I belonged to). I forget the subject of our Bible study that night, but I recall vividly what happened during the prayer time at the end.

As I prayed for the group, I got this nagging sense that someone was struggling with migraine headaches. From time to time, I believe God shows me such things and that this is part of my spiritual gifts. I shared what I had sensed, and as it happens, two of the eight people gathered admitted to having struggled with severe headaches all that day. Neither had mentioned them during the course of the evening.

We prayed together, and prayed for these headaches to cease. For one of the two, they did. I remember that person saying so clearly, “It’s gone!” for the other person, they said it had helped but they could not admit that the headache had completely gone.

Even so, it sticks in my mind as a time when God was truly faithful. It highlights that for a whole variety of reasons that not everyone receives healing every time we pray. That should not stop us asking however, and to see someone freed from an intense headache was truly something to thank the Lord for.

I have had migraines in the past, and they are no fun at all! It was an immense privilege to be able to hear God’s direction that day, and to be able to pray for a sister in need.

When it comes to spiritual gifts and the healing ministry, it is something I remain passionate about. God has blessed us with these gifts, and we are to use them to build up His church. Yes there are times when things do not quite work out as they should. For instance, this weekend I had a sense that someone had hurt their ankle. When I reached out to them, they had not. The most likely reason was that I was simply wrong.

Being wrong is something I have grown used to over the years, but that does not stop me trying to listen to Jesus and acting on His voice. The pain of a migraine, sore ankle or whatever ailment can be a real drag to people. if God should wish to use me to bring that relief, then I am humbled and clearly the glory is all His.

Have you ever had an experience like this? I’d love to hear about it.

I hope that this brief testimony has encouraged you. God cares. He loves you. He cares about your headaches, your bills, your entire life. For the most part, He will direct us through His Word, but I rejoice in the times He directs us through His Spirit too. Praise the God of love who cares for us each and every day! Amen!

Praying for Ukraine

At our church yesterday, we had our “World Focus” spot. This is a time where we think about another part of the globe, and see what the Lord is doing there. Often it also involves thinking about the challenges a country or region face, and helps us think on how we can support the church in that place. Given events in the Ukraine right now, this was our subject.

We learned about a woman named Jessica who works with orphans in that nation. She lives in a fairly dangerous region of the country in “normal” times, and even more so now. As of yesterday, she was heading for the border following the advice to flee. She leaves behind one of the orphans she has helped to raise, a young man now aged over 18, and so he cannot leave in case he is called upon to fight for his country.

This is but one story of thousands. How many families are being torn apart by this dreadful situation?

I have seen a number of blogs about the war in Ukraine, and many prayers uttered. I join with them today, and pray for peace in that land. I also pray for wisdom for both sides, and for leaders across the world. We know that such situations can quickly escalate, and it takes only a spark to set a great blaze.

We pray for the citizens of Ukraine as they bravely defend their homes. We ask you Lord to move in that place, to bring forth all or any good You can out of this time of trouble. We pray, too, for a swift end to this conflict, and that lives on both sides would be saved.

May Your church arise in that part of the world. May those who know You, and are seeking to follow You, be blessed with strength, wisdom and resources to shine Your light in that place. We pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia, asking You to unite them with one purpose in serving You. May their love for You far exceed the hate of people, and may their example and ministry bring many souls into Your glorious kingdom.

Lord, when we see such things happen, it can be hard to know what exactly we should pray. Give us wisdom, and direct our prayers so that Your will is done, and You may be glorified. Where people suffer, may You be there to offer comfort. Where there is hurt, may Your church bring healing in Your Name.

We pray in the mighty Name of Jesus, amen!

Thank you for joining me in these prayers. And do add your own in the comments if you wish.

Have a blessed day.

Family Prayer Time, Season 1, Episode 1, The Globe.

Peter & JoJo are back with Family Prayer Time, encouraging us as always to pray together as a family. This week, JoJo & Peter encourage us to use the…

Family Prayer Time, Season 1, Episode 1, The Globe.

Lost in Paris #TestimonyTuesday

In this audio clip, Andy shares a story of a time he and a group of friends were lost in Paris.

The Eiffel Tower in Paris

In case you missed any of my previous posts…

Nod from God #TestimonyTuesday

Not wanting to miss the boat on #TestimonyTuesday, I thought I’d share a brief snippet with you.

It is not my testimony but rather a minor thing which happened to me once.

A skyscraper

When I left university, I had little idea of what I wanted to do with my life. I took a job at a local employer and consider it my first “real” job. I was young then, both in age and experience, and it was rather daunting to step into this new world.

On day one, someone came by and handed me a wadge of papers. “Fill these out,” they said, “and give them to Alice.” Before I had a chance to ask anything, they were gone. I did indeed fill them out, but literally had no idea who Alice was! The building housed 1500 employees, and for me (with problems with my sight) the thought of trying to find said mystery woman was no easy task! I asked a few of my new colleagues, and they were not exactly sure.

I did all I could, and prayed! I asked God to help me find this Alice, and then set the papers to one side and carried on doing my other work. A while later, I looked up to see a small group of colleagues talking, and one of them said, “Alice…” addressing one of the others. This was the Alice I needed, and she walked right past my desk and I was able to hand her the papers then and there.

This is, in the grand scheme of things, a miniscule event but it was God’s way of reminding me of His presence in my life. I knew, in that moment, that Goid had answered this simple prayer and I knew that He would continue to support me.

Has God given you these little nods from time to time? Just small encouragements that remind you of His constant love for you?

Praise Him for the big things in life, yes, but don’t forget to thank Him for the small as well!

Do share below any “nods from God” which He has given to you.

Have a great Tuesday!