Powerful Scriptures to Pray for Leaders in Our Lives

Leading a group of people or a family is no small order as it comes with a long list of responsibilities. Leaders are depended upon for guidance, instruction, and protection. Add to that spiritual attacks and complicated interpersonal relationships, and they face many challenges. Meeting needs can become a source of stress, especially if they attempt to lead without God’s help. But relying upon God’s wisdom and following the perfect example of servant-leadership set by Jesus will bring blessings upon their pursuit of leading well.

Prayer is a powerful tool we can and should employ for people in leadership roles. It is effective in lessening the load and encouraging the hearts of leaders. We can pray expectantly since the Bible directs us to pray for leaders. And we can pray specifically, following the guidelines set in numerous scriptures to pray for leaders.

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What Does the Bible Say About Praying for Our Leaders?

In First Timothy, we find a scripture that addresses praying for our leaders: “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.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

When we ask, “How do you pray for those in leadership?” this verse answers with clarity: Ask for God’s mercy upon their lives, and give thanks for them. This passage reminds us that our prayers for leaders will positively affect both the leaders and those following them.  

Another helpful verse that answers, “How do you pray for those in leadership?” is Proverbs 28:2. “For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged.”

Praying for leaders to possess understanding and knowledge is imperative. As this verse points out, the land will become more stable and lasting when the leaders have those qualities. This verse is another example of positive results for both leaders and those they lead, when we pray.

As we can see, the Bible addresses the importance of praying for our leaders. Being intentional about regularly saying a short prayer for leaders is an excellent practice to embrace when striving to obey God’s Word. An example of a short prayer for leaders is included further down in this post.

Scriptures to Pray for Leaders

The Bible is an inspirational resource to use when we pray for leaders. There are a tremendous amount of qualities referenced that, when adopted by leaders, allow them to develop exceptional leadership skills. 

Let’s look at some of the leadership traits mentioned in the scriptures.

RELATED: Prayer Printables and scripture to guide your prayers for the leaders in your life

Scriptures to Pray for a Husband

Husbands are given the duty of being the spiritual leader in their marriage. They are to love their wives as Jesus loves the Church. That is a challenge, especially when the Enemy seemingly works overtime to invalidate the marriage covenant.

The increasing lack of respect for the marriage vow reminds us that praying for our husband is vital. Here are some verses to pray for husbands.

Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: 2 Thessalonians 1:11

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Scriptures to Pray for Fathers

Fathers are the spiritual leader in the home. That high calling is accompanied by immeasurable responsibility. Our prayers are critical in an age when the God-ordained definition and significance of the family is under attack. Below you will find scriptures to pray for fathers.

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:7

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19

Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

Scriptures to Pray for Pastors

Pastors are appointed to be shepherds of their flock, which necessitates serving their congregation’s spiritual, physical, and emotional needs. The demands on a pastor’s time do not only fall on Sundays; they are around the clock. Here are some verses to help congregants pray for their pastors.

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 

Let your heart therefore be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day. 1 Kings 8:61

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24

Scriptures to Pray for Teachers

We need to pray for everyone in the teaching field. In the times in which we live, teachers who lead well are essential. Whether they are instructors in a school, college, church, or home setting, we cannot overstate their impact on students. Listed below are scriptures to pray for teachers.

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 1 Peter 3:8

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 2 Corinthians 4:2

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Scriptures to Pray for Government Leaders

It is crucial for Christians to rise up and fervently offer prayers for leaders of government. Our nation is facing extreme divisiveness, and sadly, there is a growing hostility toward Christianity. 2 Chronicles 7:14 is a prayer for nation Bible verse that is more fitting than ever to bring to mind.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

The promises of forgiveness and healing in this verse provide us with hope and motivation to continue praying for humility and repentance. 

Below are two more verses to include in your prayers for government leaders.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

Short Prayer for Leaders You Can Pray Everyday

It is a privilege to bring others to the throne of God and ask Him to help them lead to the best of their God-given ability. With guidance from the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, we can bring requests to the Lord on behalf of leaders. 

Here is an example of a short prayer for leaders you can pray daily.

Dear Lord, I lift the leaders in my life to You. Thank You for their willingness to lead. Reward their eagerness to take on a challenging assignment. Give them a hunger to know You better and to reflect You in their leadership role. Give them the desire to serve those they lead. Grant them wisdom as they make decisions and influence those in their care. Entrust them with discernment to choose the most Christ-like manner to respond to controversy. Encourage them when they receive unfair treatment. Reenergize them when they face struggles, and reassure them that You are beside them. I pray You will saturate them with Your unfailing mercy and grace. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

The amount of responsibilities we expect husbands, fathers, pastors, teachers, and government leaders to bear is impossible to handle in their own strength. Because of this, praying for our leaders is of immense importance. Thankfully, many scriptures are available to enrich the prayers we offer for leaders. 

What a blessing it is to be able to pray for and watch God accomplish incredible things in the lives of leaders.

Here is a Free short Prayer for Leaders coloring page! Hang it in your prayer closet or add it to your Prayer Journal. Use it as a help and a reminder of your great responsibility to pray for the leaders in your life.

Click the image to download!

RELATED POSTS:

• 5 Prayers for Favour and Breakthrough
• 12 Encouraging Bible Verses About the Power of Prayer
• How to Pray the Scriptures Back to God
• 30 Days Prayer Challenge (and Free Printables)

About the Author – Gwen Thielges

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