1 Timothy 2:1-2 says ‘I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.’ (NLT).
We are instructed to pray for all people and asking God to help them and interceding for them. This also includes praying for our leaders and those in authority. This is especially important that we remember to pray for our regional and national leaders in Finland. Take note: we pray for people regardless whether we agree with their lifestyle, values or leadership style. When it comes to prayer we do not take political sides, but rather ask the Lord how to pray for our leaders that they would have wisdom in how to lead well.
Here are some points from a prayer guide from Church of His Presence, USA:
“When believers pray, the spiritual climate shifts, and God’s purposes advance. Government leaders shape a nation’s direction, yet they face intense pressure, corruption, and deception. Intercession for our leaders invites God’s wisdom, integrity, and protection over those in authority.”
Areas to pray over our leaders: Thankfulness, Mercy for leaders, Repentance and humility, Corruption, deception, and ungodly agendas be revealed and uprooted, Removal of those who abuse their positions and authority without repentance, Fear of the Lord and passing of righteous and just legislation, Visitations of the Lord in executive, legislative, and judicial branches, Leaders would be born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, Wisdom, discernment, and integrity, Protection from spiritual, emotional, and physical attacks.
A Declaration over our leaders: Justice, favour, and blessings rest upon our godly leaders, and No weapon formed against our righteous leaders will prosper.
“We declare our country’s leaders are filled with wisdom, integrity, and discernment, guiding them to govern with justice, humility, and righteousness.” (Church of His Presence, page 8).
As we read above, the example on how to pray for our national leaders, is focused on praying for God’s wisdom to lead our leaders. Yes, what is written above is more focused on the USA leadership, but I believe the Lord wants to show us in Finland what it means to pray, decree and declare God’s good purposes over the leaders in Finland. May the Lord give us a deeper understanding how to pray for our government and stand in the gap that they would have the wisdom to lead well.
Thank you Jesus that we can bless Finland and remember the government and those in authority in prayer. I ask that you lead us to pray what is on your heart for our government, and that you give us your heart to intercede for all our leaders. Thank you that we can pray the blood of Jesus over them all, and that you would continue to work in all of their hearts. Thank you that you want to reveal Christ to those who do not yet know you, and thank you Lord that you will lead them by your wisdom in how to lead Finland forward. Thank you that we have the ability to pray and bless them. May you continue the great work in them and in our nation, in Jesus name, Amen!
