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… (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
In Acts 13:6-12, we find a very interesting story about the missionary work of Barnabas and Paul in Paphos—a city known for a combination of immorality and darkness. In the course of their evangelical work in the city, the deputy, Sergius Paulus, wanted to hear God’s Word and sent for Barnabas and Paul.
But one of his very influential officials—a noted false prophet and sorcerer—attempted to frustrate their missionary efforts. He didn’t want his boss to hear the Gospel. But Paul, having observed Elymas’ deceptive and malicious tendencies, firmly expostulated with him and said, “And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season…” (Acts 13:11). Suddenly, the man went blind and got out of their way. Hallelujah!
Sergius Paulus was a prudent man; he wasn’t a corrupt official, but he was unaware of the kind of influence that Elymas would have on him, having been planted by Satan. These are often part of Satan’s ways of getting across to government and political leaders, to influence them and get them to do the wrong things.
Therefore, in praying for the leaders of your city, state or country, remember that there’re times Satan plants his own people among them, to distract them from hearing the Word and from getting to know God. Therefore, using the Name of Jesus, break the power of Satan over those who work with leaders and seek to influence or counsel them to go against the will and purposes of God.
Furthermore, command the devil to loose his grip over their minds so the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ would shine unto them.Affirmthattheir hearts are open to receive the Gospel willingly and as a result, righteousness springs up in their hearts and the wisdom of God guides their thoughts. Pray for leaders and all men this way as admonished in 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
PRAYER
Lord, your desire is for the leaders and peoples of the nations to be saved and for your righteousness to rule their hearts and guide their thinking. Therefore, I pray for leaders of nations, that their hearts be opened and receptive to the Gospel. I pray that your Word will have free course and be glorified and have prevailing power in their lives, effectively cutting off every negative influence from among them, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
|| 1 Timothy 2:1-4 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. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. ||
|| Jeremiah 29:7 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the LORD for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace. ||
|| Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [as] the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. ||
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 10:24-42 & Genesis 34-35
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Matthew 6:1-13 & Genesis 14 3
We trust you have been blessed by this devotional. We invite you to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life by praying thus:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”