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On Prayer Duty

Pastor Jacky Duncan

October 23, 2010

As Christians we are commanded to submit to all authorities, to respect them, and not to speak evil of them. (see Rom 13:1-7; Titus 3:1-2) But the duty most often referred to is the most important of all. It is the duty of prayer.

Our apostle Paul says, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—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.” (1 Tim 2:1-3)

First, notice that this prayer duty is to be carried out on behalf of “everyone,” but especially for “all those in authority.” And note the last sentence. Ephesians 5:10 tells us that we are to “find out what pleases the Lord.” Well, here’s one thing that He specifically tells us pleases Him—praying for authorities and everyone else.

Paul categorizes our duty as making “requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.” This tells us that we are not to merely offer up an occasional general prayer like, “Lord I pray for our leaders.” He is saying that we should give thought to and be specific in all kinds of prayers.

In thinking of our many governing authorities as human beings with families who are trying to carry out their duties, many things should come to mind to pray about. For example, we can make requests on their behalf for God to grant them things like wisdom, strength, integrity, humility, resources, helpers, etc.

If we are aware of specific issues they are dealing with or a specific need they have, we can ask God to help them with these.

When they make mistakes or sin, we can intercede and ask God to have mercy on them, forgive them, empower them to confess their sin, and grant them repentance. We can pray that God grant them a restored reputation or the grace to accept the penalties and consequences of their actions. We can pray for their families, friends, associates and supporters who are affected by their actions.

And perhaps the most overlooked aspect of praying for authorities—thanksgiving. How often do you thank God for specific people in authority? How often do you thank Him for specific things they do well or the fact that they are serving you? Do you thank Him for the faithful ones with character and integrity, who take a firm stand for righteousness when it goes against the flow?

I often hear people talking about how difficult it is to pray. Some of us seem to have trouble thinking of things to pray about. And many struggle with wandering thoughts. I know I’ve had my run in with both these problems.

I think part of the problem with weak and ineffective prayers is that we are so self-focused that we never consider the many thousands of things we should be praying about.

Another big part of the problem is that we pray in generalities rather than specifics. If we would just give some thought to the people and situations we need to pray for, we would find ourselves lost in a sea of specific details to bring before the throne of grace.

Consider this: Why do you keep up with the news? Have you ever considered making a list of things to pray about from what you hear or read? Or like most of us, do you simply find things to judge, get upset over, or gossip about? If we are not going to use the information for a positive purpose, the news is a waste of time and only leads us to sin. Or at best it’s a pitiful form of entertainment.

I urge you to try this in your next time of prayer. Don’t just say, “Lord I pray for so and so.” Make specific requests for them, intercede for specific problems they are facing, and give thanks for specific actions and qualities of those you are praying for. And ask the Lord to show you ways you can help. Try to image how you might feel if you or a loved one were in the situation they are in.

To keep us humble we should remember this: “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Titus 3:3-5)

Prayer is our greatest and most effective duty toward the authorities God established for our good. And don’t forget, this applies to all authorities whether in the home, the workplace, the government, or the church.

Wow! We should never lack for things to pray about. And remember, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16)

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