Praying for Our Leaders

Be Strong, Be Well — Sunday, October 4, 2020

After the 70 years of captivity ended and the Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild, the temple foundation was completed under the direction of Zerubbabel. Troublemakers stepped in and caused problems, so the king of Persia ordered all work on the temple to stop.

After some years a plea was brought before the new King Darius for his approval to restart the construction and finish the temple. After a search of the archives was made, the first decree of King Cyrus was discovered. Darius decreed the work could be completed. Goods and supplies were to be given to the Jews, all at the king’s expense. Whatever they needed (even for their sacrifices) was to be supplied to them day by day without fail.

In Ezra’s account of this, the king said something very intriguing. “..that they may offer sacrifices of sweet aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king and his sons” (Ezra 6:10).

The great King Darius wanted these things done for God’s people, so they would pray on his behalf and on behalf of his sons.

There is something about the influence of godly, righteous people that is seen as beneficial to observant leaders of the nations. More importantly, Christians are commanded to pray on behalf of our leaders. We are under obligation and privilege to pray for our president, congress, judges of the courts, and all those in authority.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For 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” (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

Especially now, we should be praying for the health and wellbeing of President Trump and our First Lady. —Chris