There are 535 men and women who serve as our members of Congress, and these are just some of our country’s leaders. People who are part of our government — whether they’re members of Congress, the president, the Cabinet, the judiciary, or state leaders — are faced with difficult decisions every day in addition to balancing their personal lives with family and friends. Too often, it’s easy to forget about the person behind the political decisions they make. But if we take a moment to remember their humanity, it allows us to see them as a child of God who needs prayer just like you and me. As newly elected officials begin their terms and veterans return to session, join us at World Vision in praying for the leaders in our government.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.—1 Timothy 2:1-4
After praying for our leaders, will you send a note of encouragement to your members of Congress? Nearly 88% of Congress claims faith in Christ, so knowing that someone is praying for them and their work would be a blessing to them. And if they’re not believers, it shows your goodwill toward them.
Pray for government leaders and their families.
Your leaders have families and responsibilities outside of work, but they also face some unique challenges. Between splitting their time in their home state and Washington, D.C., and working long hours in the office, many government leaders sacrifice time with their family to serve their constituents. Their families are also more often in the spotlight, causing additional stress. Pray that government leaders and their families would be strengthened by Christ, fulfilled by the time they have together, and supportive and encouraging of one another.
God, thank You for the men and women who serve our country in leadership roles and for their families. Please provide our leaders with reminders each day of why they decided to dedicate their lives to public service, and use that commitment to encourage them. Give them peace when their work takes them away from their families. We also pray specifically for the wives, husbands, and children of our leaders. We ask that You draw near to them and give them the wisdom on how to best support one another while their loved one is away working.
Pray for the staff members of government leaders.
All of our country’s leaders have staff members who are working to answer phones, meet with constituents, respond to messages, and help shape public policy. They work exhausting hours and have many difficult conversations, weighing the needs and desires of constituents. Pray for staff members as they navigate these conversations and respond to people’s concerns so they have the wisdom and stamina to steward the power of the office they represent for good.
We are so grateful for the staff of our leaders, Lord. They have such an important job keeping the offices running as they should. Thank You for the ways You have gifted them to support so well. Wrap your arms around these men and women to show them love, grace, strength, and encouragement. Provide them with the knowledge needed to approach each situation in the best way possible. Help them to know You and see Your presence in the work they do. And, Father, give them the stamina to approach each day and to find a balance between work and life so that they would be sustained.
Pray for relationships leaders have with others.
Our country’s leaders rely on relationships to get their jobs done. Whether it’s a relationship with another leader, constituents, or someone else — relationships are key to solving problems and leading our democracy. But when dealing with politics, it’s easy for tensions to build. Pray that those in authority can approach each relationship they have with kindness and an attitude of openness. Ask God to guide their conversations with Christ-like love and humility.
Father, we are so grateful to be living in a democracy where many play a part in making sure the needs and desires of the nation’s citizens are heard and met. As our leaders work together to find solutions to difficult problems, we ask that You guide them to speak respectfully and with humility to one another. Help them to show Christ-like love to those they interact with and be an advocate for their constituents and others.
Pray for softness in our leaders’ hearts.
Our leaders have a lot of pressing issues to address, and it can be easy for them to forget topics that they feel further removed from or that they don’t hear from their constituents about. But our leaders have the ability to help end global poverty and hunger through policy change. Pray that they would hear from constituents on issues that are impacting the most vulnerable and that they would be moved to action.
Lord, thank You for leaders who care about issues impacting the most vulnerable. We ask that You help all leaders to care for people in need, especially children. Press on the hearts of constituents a desire and drive to reach out to their government leaders on issues surrounding global poverty, and soften leaders’ hearts toward these issues.
Pray that leaders would be courageous in representing their constituents.
Our leaders are juggling their own interests, the interest of many constituents, and sometimes the interest of organizations. It can be hard to find solutions that meet everyone’s wants and needs. Pray that our government leaders represent all of their constituents well and courageously uphold biblical values.
We are so grateful that we have leaders that listen to us. God, please be with our government officials as they weigh the pros and cons of each constituent’s request. Give them wisdom on how to best represent everyone. Father, we also ask that You give our leaders courage so that even when it’s hard, they would continue to boldly represent their constituents’ needs and those of the most vulnerable. Amen.
