PRAYING FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY
By W. G. Guy
According to the Bible we are instructed to pray for those in authority. However, there are different forms of prayer for different types of authority; nevertheless, each type of authority needs to be covered in prayer. This is not understood by most believers and needs proper explanation.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
In this passage we see that we are to pray for those in authority, referring to governing authority, whether political or ecclesiastical, (church leadership). Why are we to pray for such authorities, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” This is God’s purpose for those in authority!
What if their purpose is NOT to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty? (There sure a lot of these types in government leadership positions!) This question will be addressed later on in this article. Here is another passage about the same issue:
Romans 13:1-4 – Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Here we see that the powers or authorities that God ordained and raises up “are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.” Furthermore, he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Now consider if those in authority are doing the evil, or just the opposite of God’s purpose for them as being in authority. What if they execute wrath on those that are godly and who are doing good, and instead reward those that do evil? Have we ever seen such people in positions of authority in any government? How about Hitler, Stalin, Mao or the current wave of godless liberals who promote abortions, same-sex marriage and other ungodly sinful practices? How about those in authority who persecute and prosecute those who are good, those who are the godly who promote truth and righteousness. Are we to still pray for them?
The answer is YES, we do pray for them, but a different type of prayer. I have been taught by the Lord to not pray against anyone, but to pray for them, even for those who are enemies of our faith. I was taught to pray that God change them or remove them from being in positions to be harmful, and put them in a place for their benefit, that they may be able to change.
Now as to the issue of obedience to those in authority; do you obey the godly just as you obey the wicked. We need to consider by whose directives are they governing – God or Satan. You cannot obey those who govern by Satan’s directives because they impose sinful dictates upon you. This means you must choose who you will obey, as did the early church.
Acts 4:18-19, 29-31 – And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. ….. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
We see from scripture that God honors those who honor Him and His Word and maintain their testimony even in opposition to the commands of those in authority. However, it becomes obvious that going against established wicked authority they will use their power to prosecute and persecute the righteous – history verifies this.
When you disobey man’s authority in order to obey God’s authority, man’s wicked authority will oppose you and cause you problems. The question is; who would you rather punish you for disobedience, corrupt man, or the Holy and Righteous God? There are always consequences for disobedience – one form is temporal, (man’s punishment), and the other form is eternal, (God’s punishment)! Who will you obey?
Proverbs 29:2 – When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Remember, we are to pray for those in authority, but make sure you pray the right way for them – for them to rule God’s way or to be removed and changed so they can find God’s way. God knows how to take care of you if you obey Him and His Word and continue to be a witness for Jesus Christ.
By W. G. Guy
According to the Bible we are instructed to pray for those in authority. However, there are different forms of prayer for different types of authority; nevertheless, each type of authority needs to be covered in prayer. This is not understood by most believers and needs proper explanation.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 – I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
In this passage we see that we are to pray for those in authority, referring to governing authority, whether political or ecclesiastical, (church leadership). Why are we to pray for such authorities, “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” This is God’s purpose for those in authority!
What if their purpose is NOT to lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty? (There sure a lot of these types in government leadership positions!) This question will be addressed later on in this article. Here is another passage about the same issue:
Romans 13:1-4 – Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: for he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Here we see that the powers or authorities that God ordained and raises up “are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.” Furthermore, he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Now consider if those in authority are doing the evil, or just the opposite of God’s purpose for them as being in authority. What if they execute wrath on those that are godly and who are doing good, and instead reward those that do evil? Have we ever seen such people in positions of authority in any government? How about Hitler, Stalin, Mao or the current wave of godless liberals who promote abortions, same-sex marriage and other ungodly sinful practices? How about those in authority who persecute and prosecute those who are good, those who are the godly who promote truth and righteousness. Are we to still pray for them?
The answer is YES, we do pray for them, but a different type of prayer. I have been taught by the Lord to not pray against anyone, but to pray for them, even for those who are enemies of our faith. I was taught to pray that God change them or remove them from being in positions to be harmful, and put them in a place for their benefit, that they may be able to change.
Now as to the issue of obedience to those in authority; do you obey the godly just as you obey the wicked. We need to consider by whose directives are they governing – God or Satan. You cannot obey those who govern by Satan’s directives because they impose sinful dictates upon you. This means you must choose who you will obey, as did the early church.
Acts 4:18-19, 29-31 – And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. ….. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
We see from scripture that God honors those who honor Him and His Word and maintain their testimony even in opposition to the commands of those in authority. However, it becomes obvious that going against established wicked authority they will use their power to prosecute and persecute the righteous – history verifies this.
When you disobey man’s authority in order to obey God’s authority, man’s wicked authority will oppose you and cause you problems. The question is; who would you rather punish you for disobedience, corrupt man, or the Holy and Righteous God? There are always consequences for disobedience – one form is temporal, (man’s punishment), and the other form is eternal, (God’s punishment)! Who will you obey?
Proverbs 29:2 – When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Remember, we are to pray for those in authority, but make sure you pray the right way for them – for them to rule God’s way or to be removed and changed so they can find God’s way. God knows how to take care of you if you obey Him and His Word and continue to be a witness for Jesus Christ.
