“Pray for All those in Authority”

A Reminder for Inauguration Day

David Scott Fields II, Senior Writer • January 20, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – As the morning dawns on the new presidential administration, I find myself constantly reminded of a command given to all believers long ago in the scriptures – one I am afraid far to many of us are unfaithful in obeying.

The Apostle Paul, writing to his son in the faith, Timothy, instructed, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV). This command is as vital today as it was 2,000 years ago. Every Christian has a divine responsibility to beseech the Lord on behalf of our leaders, regardless of our personal opinions or political preferences.

Today, as President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance took their oaths of office, I was reminded that leadership is a burden that no human can bear adequately alone. Only by the grace and strength of Christ can they truly stand and be the leaders we need them to be. Proverbs 21:1 tells us, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will” (ESV). This verse assures us that God’s sovereignty extends even to halls of power like the White House. Our prayers, then, are not in vain but a vital part of aligning earthly government with His divine will.

I know…the temptation to view our leaders with criticism or skepticism is hard to resist, especially when godliness often seems absent from the political landscape. Yet we are called to a higher standard if we call ourselves followers of Christ. Paul’s exhortation to Timothy was not based on ideal conditions or the perquisite of having godly leaders. They both lived at a time when corrupt leadership and Roman oppression were everywhere. Even so, Paul didn’t say to pray for leaders only when we agree with them or when their policies align with our values. Instead, he exulted a believer’s prayers as a means of promoting peace, godliness, and dignity. By lifting our leaders in prayer, we act as ambassadors of Christ, seeking not our will but His.

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Jesus Himself was the perfect model for this type of intercessory prayer. The leaders of His time arrested Him, falsely accused Him, beat Him, humiliated Him, and ultimately crucified Him. Yet what was His response as He hung dying on that old rugged cross? “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34, ESV). If our precious Jesus, in the midst of His agony, could pray for His murderers, is it such a great thing to ask us to pray for our leaders – be they righteous or unrighteous? And our prayers should include not only their political policies but also their personal safety, wisdom, and their ultimate salvation and relationship with the Lord.

As President Trump begins his first days in office, let us be in constant prayer for him and those around him. May he be surrounded by those who love the Lord. And let us be steadfast in our determination to be lights in this dark world. As Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (ESV). Being a light means engaging in respectful conversations, showing kindness to those we disagree with, and demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways. It also means praying faithfully, trusting that God hears and answers our prayers according to His perfect will.

My prayer is that as we walk forward into the days ahead, we do so with hearts full of grace and a commitment to honoring Christ above all. Our ultimate loyalty is to His kingdom, and our earthly leaders are mere stewards until He returns to take His rightful place as King of all the earth. As is written:

“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Isaiah 9:7 ESV

Let us pray without ceasing, trusting in the Lord who truly holds all things in His hands.