Know any leaders whose words, actions, and inactions concern you? Whether they are in your workplace or government, bad leaders can cause lots of problems. It is easy to watch the news and see the craziness of the world, but it is hard to live under the consequences of the evil, immoral leaders among us. In many of these situations we can feel helpless to make a difference, but as followers of Jesus we must never forget that we have direct access to the Creator of the Universe.
Jeremiah 29:7 “But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”
Here are five ways to pray to God about wicked leaders:
1) Pray Wisely. Lots of leaders brag and boast of their accomplishments and power as they wreak havoc on the lives of others. As Christians, we must remain confident in God. While the enemies of God spout lies, we must stand firm on God’s truth in the Bible. When bad leaders try to intimidate good people into silence, we must courageously speak up. Let’s ask God for His wisdom for us in tough times.
Romans 12:9 “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
2) Pray Lovingly — It is easy to get mad at and dehumanize wicked leaders when they cause so much harm, but we must remember that we are all made in God’s image. Nothing is impossible for God and it isn’t too late for even the most awful person to come to faith while there is still breath in their lungs. One of the reasons we should pray for all of our leaders, is for the greater benefit and protection of those under their care. Let’s lovingly lift evil leaders to God for lasting change.
Luke 6:27-28 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
3) Pray Evangelistically — Hell is Real. When we read the Scriptures on Hell, we shouldn’t wish it on our worst enemy. Although it may feel impossible, we need to ask God to save the evil people from their sin. If the heart of an unrighteous politician is brought to spiritual life, what a difference it can make for others. Let’s pray for the salvation of immoral leaders.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 “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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
4) Pray Humbly — Often we assume that our nation, state, or workplace doesn’t deserve the consequences of living under wicked authorities. Sometimes we forget that God can discipline and punish entire nations as a consequence of their continued sin and rebellion against Him. Let’s humbly confess the sins of our nation to Jesus and ask for His mercy upon us.
1 Samuel 12:14-15 “if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the LORD your God, it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will be against you and your king.”
5) Pray Specifically — If our enemies will not repent and turn away from their evil, it is right to ask for God’s deliverance. God’s timing and methods may not be our own, but we can trust His perfect justice and wrath. Specific prayers get specific answers, so don’t be afraid to ask God to take care of His enemies completely by their removal. Let’s ask God to punish evil leaders and remove them from our governments and workplaces.
Psalm 58:7-9 “Let them vanish like water that runs away…Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime…may he sweep them away!”
The next time you watch, read, or hear about an evil, immoral leader causing problems, let’s pray more than we speak. Don’t stress the future, but trust that God is in control. As we get into God’s Word and take our burdens to Him in prayer, He will change our heart and give us wisdom of how to live in the midst so much wickedness.
Romans 12:18-21 “as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
