Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority, so that we can live in peace and quietness, in godliness and dignity.

Prayers for kings and authorities

There is a reason Paul commands us to consistently pray for all of these people. The decisions they make have a direct, sometimes lasting, impact on our life. When the leaders of my country make good decisions, my life goes better. When the laws they pass are sound and just, my family sleeps better at night. When my church leaders make godly, spirit-directed decisions, my soul is in better hands. When my boss makes wise choices, the company grows and my job is secure. When my parents handle their affairs well and stay in God's will, I can depend on the counsel they give to be solid and sound. The strength of their character will affect our family for generations to come, so I fervently pray that God will grant them wisdom and godliness in all they say and do.

We pray for those in authority over us because it helps us live in "peace and quietness." And because it develops within us the traits of "godliness and dignity." In many ways these simple qualities sum up the whole of our Christian witness on earth.

We are called to be peaceful peopleto be at peace with God, with our salvation, with our situation on earth, and with those around us. And we are to live holy and dignified livesto put "aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12). It is through consistent and deliberate prayerfor others, as well as ourselvesthat these qualities are obtained.

adapted from Embracing Eternity by Tim LaHaye, Jerry Jenkins and Frank M. Martin,, Tyndale House Publishers (2004), p 37

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House