FAQs
Why do we pray?
What is the purpose of our prayer?
Do I have to agree with Governments to pray for
them or do I endorse their actions when I do?
them or do I endorse their actions when I do?
How do I pray?
The global situation is quite bleak, what’s the
point of prayer?
point of prayer?
If it were God’s will, would He not have changed
things already?
things already?
Why do we pray?
- The Church is God’s agent for transformation of the earth (Gen 1:28; Ps 8; Ps 115: 16; Mat 5:13-16; Luk 13:19;)
- We have been specifically tasked with praying for those in authority (1 Tim 2: 1-4)
- Jesus also tasked us to pray that His Kingdom would come and His will would be done (Mat 6:9,10)
- Jesus did not ask us to pray for something He was not planning to fulfil.
What is the purpose of our prayer?
- According to 1 Tim 2:1-4, the objective is twofold:
- that the Church may lead quiet, peaceable life in godliness and reverence
- for the fulfilment of God’s desire for all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.
- In other words, good Governance provides an environment for the Church to flourish and for the gospel to spread.
Do I have to agree with Governments to pray for
them or do I endorse their actions when I do?
them or do I endorse their actions when I do?
- Praying for our leaders does not condone their decisions or provide God’s stamp of approval
- Each will be judged for their actions (Rom 14: 11-13; Heb 4:13)
- Prayer is an invitation for God to work in, around and through them
- While we were, yet sinners Christ died for us
- The same applies to politicians, and government officials
- Christ died for them because He loves them, not because they are perfect (Rom 5:8; Joh 3:16,17)
- Remember the Father is not surprised that our leaders are broken and sinful, His response is to call on us to pray. Will you heed His call?
How do I pray?
- Bless and do not Curse (Rom 12:14)
- When praying for Leaders, ask God to show you what He feels for them, then
- Pray for them out of the knowledge of His love for them;
- This does not imply an endorsement of their job, policies or opinions;
- The Bible sets out various expectations and calls on governmental leaders which can be used as a basis for prayer and this guide provides an overview of such scriptural bases for prayer.
The global situation is quite bleak, what’s the
point of prayer?
point of prayer?
- Throughout the 2000-year history of Christianity the situation has looked bleak numerous times whether on an individual level, national or regional level – and yet thriving churches can be found today across continents and nations, some in comfort others under immense persecutions
- Our circumstances (high geopolitical instability, heightened competition between great nations/powers for global influence and power, and great societal upheaval) do not determine who God is or His will
- Jesus call to pray for the Kingdom to come and His proclamation that all authority in Heaven and earth has been given to Him transcends circumstances
- On the basis of authority given to Him, His response to the needs of the world was to send out His disciples to make disciples of all nations (Mat 28:16-20; Mar 16:15-17) – seen together with Luke 10 one could also conclude that as the disciples went they prayed.
- This call is still upon us today and it’s a call to partner with what He wants to do on the earth.
- If in response to prayer, God moves you to take further steps go for it – remaining grounded in prayer and love.
If it were God’s will, would He not have changed
things already?
things already?
- God gave humanity the responsibility to rule and care for creation (Gen 1:28; Ps 8:6)
- Throughout the Bible, the Father has acted in partnership with humans like you and me to pursue His will on the Earth. For some examples consider: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, David, Joseph, Daniel, Esther and in the New Testament John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, John, Philip, Stephen, the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas.
- The same continues to apply today, He chooses to partner with people, the Body of Christ to bring transformation to the Earth.

