It is easy to criticize our government leaders and complain about their decisions. In fact, some of them make it extremely easy for us to do this. However, there is a better way. The Bible instructs us to instead pray for them.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
What should we pray? Here are many suggestions based on this passage and other scriptures as well as upon private conversations I have had with many lawmakers.
1. Pray for them with Thanksgiving
1 Timothy 2:1 “I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings”
Political leaders are fallible people who are doing a difficult job that was created by God for our benefit. Romans 13:1 says, “there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.” We thank God for anything good that government provides.
Legislator Quote: “I know firsthand that the halls and offices of the Capitol can be the loneliest places around.”
2. Pray for their Salvation
1 Timothy 2:4 “God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved …”
Political leaders, like all people, need the forgiveness of sins and new life that comes through trusting in Jesus Christ. Imagine how much better an elected official leads when he or she becomes a child of God and looks to Him for help!
Legislator Quote: “All of us who have experienced inviting Christ into our lives know that this is what will put our state back on the right track faster and better than anything else.”
3. Pray for their Spiritual Maturity
1 Timothy 2:4 “… and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Salvation is just the beginning. Spiritual maturity happens gradually as they humbly grow in their knowledge and application of God’s word in every situation they face.
Legislator Quote: “The anchor of a Christ-centered Bible study … has been a blessing to me and my colleagues in this sea of manmade turmoil.”
4. Pray for them to have Humility
Micah 6:8b “And what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
Political leaders have great power, deal with immense sums of money, work in lavish facilities, and are treated like royalty, all of which can lead to arrogance and pride. Pray that God will keep them humble before Him as they lead others.
Legislator Quote: “When I was elected to political office, it was as if I suddenly became smarter, funnier, and better looking.”
5. Pray for them to have God’s Wisdom
1 Kings 3:9 “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”
Political leaders are regularly called upon to make difficult decisions that affect many people. They cannot do this well without wisdom and discernment from above.
Legislator Quote: “With past decisions, we knew what to do and we just needed the boldness to do it. Now it is different because we are not even sure what to do.”
6. Pray for them to have Courage
Psalm 27:14 “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage”
Political leaders are often called upon to make compromises. Not doing so can cost them their careers. They need God to give them the strength of conviction and courage to do the right thing no matter what the personal result.
Legislator Quote: “I do not like my decision, but how can I do otherwise and lose my opportunity to serve in elected office?”
7. Pray for them to have Strength
Luke 22:46 “pray that you may not enter into temptation.”
Political leaders regularly encounter many strong temptations. Pray for them to have the strength to resist these traps that threaten to destroy their lives, their families, and their effectiveness as leaders.
Legislator Quote: “I have never seen or felt temptation as strong as it is here in the Capitol.”
8. Pray for their Campaigns and Elections
Daniel 2:21 “He removes kings and establishes kings”
Political leaders are constantly preparing for their next election. This is a difficult task, with its own stresses and temptations. Pray for them to campaign honestly, fairly, and decently, and for God to guide the votes according to His will.
Legislator Quote: “Look at this political mailer about me. I’ve never seen it, but it sure makes me sound good doesn’t it?!”
9. Pray for Those Reaching Out to Them
Romans 10:14 “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?”
Political leaders are often isolated from others who might share with them the Good News of Jesus and the Word of God. Pray for God to open doors for believing preachers, family, friends, or colleagues to share about the Lord with them.
Legislator Quote: “Pastor Frank Erb allowed me to keep Jesus first and foremost in my heart and mind while at the Capitol.”
Sometimes it might feel like praying is a waste of time when there are so many other things we could be doing. Consider though that man’s best efforts to govern well have proven to be far from ideal. To persist in seeking worldly solutions to the immense problems of our day is futile. It is time for us to do it God’s way, and seek the assistance and blessings that only He can provide.
Frank Erb
Frank Erb serves as a full-time Missionary/Pastor to the California State Capitol, online at FrankErb.org.
© 2020 Frank Erb. All rights reserved.
A printable updated version of this article may be found here.
Frank Erb 
Years ago, I prayed that someone would get into office who’s strings can’t be pulled, for there are no strings, who would do his/her best in following the constitution, putting good people in our courts, and protect this nation while reducing regulations for businesses, but also raise awareness about how our youth aren’t getting a good education, one that I received when America was still number one academically, though I could see some things that could’ve been improved. All of my prayers, and the prayers of others, were answered in a way I could not imagine. And in this light, I realized the import of all of us praying for our country, our citizens, and for our future generations. And more recently, I’ve been praying for Israel and the middle east, and not very long ago, peace is growing. We all need to pray daily.