1 Timothy 2: 1-2 (KJV): “I exhort…that 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.”

It’s easy to criticise those in power and grumble about the way they govern. In his day, Paul experienced first-hand the corruption and challenges those in authority imposed on people. But he still made a point to instruct us to intercede and pray for those placed over us. Do you know why? When we lift those who lead up to the Lord, we can ask Him to deliberately influence the decisions they make. As we declare His Word over them, and pray in the Spirit concerning them, we push back the enemy’s influence over them and speak God’s perfect will into all their dealings. In other words, we supernaturally interrupt the devil’s agenda and have God’s agenda dominate what goes on. By faith we can pray for God’s wisdom to enlighten our leaders, and His love to penetrate their souls. We can see the impossible accomplished when we quit complaining and begin to pray. Paul said the end result would be a nation ruled by godliness and honesty - and filled with His peace.