Prayer for Those in Authority

1 Tim 2:1-2  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.

Dear Father

I want to live in obedience to this passage of scripture. It is not something that I have done much in the past. In fact, rather than pray for leaders, I have shamefully spoken against them and sometimes questioned their motives. I might appeal that I live in a country that despises authority and is sarcastic in the extreme, but I wish to be free of this and cease from making jokes about leaders or speaking evil of them.

I want to pray for the Prime Minister of Australia, his wife and children. Father grant him wisdom, speak to his mind and heart and may he defend the fatherless and the widow. May he resist the bribes and do what is right for our nation. May be be granted strength of mind and body that he will make decisions that will prosper our country and our future.

I pray for the leaders of the police force and all the challenges they meet. They are constantly faced with the darker elements of society and need special encouragement. Keep them from corruption as they are often exposed to this and it can be hard to resist. Bless the families of the leading policemen and keep them fit and well.

I pray for the judges of our courts, those entrusted with protecting the laws of our land. Give them clarity of mind and heart to do what is best for us all. May they judge righteous judgment and never condemn the innocent.

I pray for the leaders of my church for whom I reserve a special and tender regard. Bless their decisions, grant them wisdom as they lead us and may they be blessed with your Spirit Lord to care for the flock of God for which they have been entrusted. I pray especially for the Presidents of the Division and the Union and various conferences of Australia. Bless their wives and children and keep them safe. Help them to have strength to face the many criticisms they face and help them to know that there are those who pray for them and support them.

I thank you Father for placing authority in our lives to bless us and guide us. Help us not to despise authority but to respect it and appeal to it in a spirit of submission when we have questions.

In the name of your submissive Son