Biblical Ways to Pray for Leaders We Don’t Like

By Gloria Robles

The Old and New Testaments provide many models of godly men and women praying during difficult times. Praying for leadership is no exception.

Here are tips on praying for leaders we disagree with—and even for leaders who are evil. 

1. Pray this way. Paul tells us to pray for all in authority “so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (1 Tim. 2:1–4). 

Paul taught Timothy to pray first for leaders. Who was the leader at this time? Nero, who is infamous for persecuting Christians and burning Rome, while blaming it on Christians. He executed family members, political enemies, Christians, innocents, and his mother. In some cases, he forced people to commit suicide. His personal sexual choices included incest, pedophilia, child sexual mutilation.

If Paul admonished Christ followers to pray for Nero, we too must pray for our leaders. So how do we do this? 

2. Ask God for prayer direction. Paul’s heart’s desire was to see the Jewish people saved, forsake their own righteousness, and submit to God’s righteousness in Christ (Rom. 10:1–4). His heart reflected the heart of God for people. 

When Rees Howells led prayer in the famous prayer war room in Wales during World War II, God gave them clear prayer direction for Adolf Hitler. With confidence and assurance of God’s will, they prayed, “Bend Hitler.” Time and time again, Hitler made inexplicable strategic blunders. This was a direct answer to their God-given prayer.

A word of caution, though, is necessary. Howells and his team prayed daily for hours. They did not rely on their own understanding or judgments, but humbly sought the Lord.

3. Separate the policy from the person. Many will refuse to pray for officials they believe are evil or advocate for evil policies like abortion, gender confusion, mutilation, weak law enforcement, or others. Policies can certainly be evil, but we must remember the true enemy of our soul behind these policies and working in those who do not know Jesus (Eph. 6:12). 

4. Headlines become prayer points. We all need God’s help. Elected officials are no different. Many who do not know God may seek His help in times of desperation. When the media reports problems faced by elected officials, it’s an opportunity for prayer (John 3:16–18). Pray for them and their families’ personal needs. This could be the open door that will lead them to Christ. 

5. Pray for removal of hardness of heart and spiritual blindness. Satan is at work to deceive “even the elect” (Matt. 24:24). It is clear that leaders who are not Christians will be blind to truth. Our intercession can incline leaders to godly actions whether they are godly or not. We pray for the glorious light of the gospel of Jesus Christ to shine on them (2 Cor. 4:4–6) and for the veil of darkness to be removed.

6. Pray that they will be drawn to repent. Romans 2:4 says that God’s kindness leads us to repentance. One cannot truly repent unless the Spirit of God leads us to do so. It’s an act of the grace of God.Pray that officials will be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth because it is God’s desire that they should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Our prayers could influence their decisions for Christ.

7. Pray that evil will not prosper. When evil legislation or policies are proposed, rather than praying against the legislators themselves, we can pray that the Lord will frustrate the entire process and the plans will not succeed (Ps. 33:10).

8. Pray for godly aides. Daniel is an excellent representation of a godly young person whose integrity influenced four kings of pagan nations. Pray for the men and women who influence our leaders to be people of integrity and bring wise counsel. Pray that they will be salt and light (Matt. 5:14–16). 

9. Give thanks. You may wonder how to be thankful for elected officials who promote and protect evil. We find help in this verse: “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thess. 5:18). We do not give thanks for evil, but we can give thanks in the midst of evil.

We understand that the Lord raises up leaders and removes them (Dan. 2:21). He uses leaders to serve His purposes. We may not always understand the purposes of God, but we can trust Him (Rom. 13:1–4).

Make an Impact

Don’t doubt the impact of intercession. Remember, it’s the fervent prayers that are effective (James 5:16). What if we fervently prayed for our elected officials, even the ones we don’t approve of? Would it make a difference?

We can find out by praying for them and asking the Lord to do what only He can do.

INTERCESSORS FOR AMERICA has mobilized prayer for this nation for 50 years. Gloria Robles is an IFA contributing writer. Taken from Prayer Connect magazine. To susbscribe, click here.