What Does the Bible Say About Praying for Leaders You Did Not Vote For?

By Dr. Layne McDonald

The Bible is clear on this one. We pray for leaders whether we voted for them or not. God commands it, and He does not change the command when the results come in. Praying for a leader is obedience to God, not agreement with a person.

Why this question matters today

The country just voted. Some of the leaders arriving are ones many of us prayed against. Some of us are glad today. Some of us are grieving.

Here is what steadies me. The Bible's answer does not change with the results. It did not change in good years, and it does not change in hard ones. God's people have prayed for leaders they loved and leaders they feared, and the call stayed the same through all of it.

What does the Bible say?

Paul wrote to Timothy, "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). Paul wrote those words under leaders who were not kind to the church. He still said pray.

Daniel said it plainly too. "He removes kings and sets up kings" (Daniel 2:21). God is the One who lifts leaders up and brings them down. No vote surprises Him. No result limits Him. When we pray, we are talking to the God who is over every office and every term.

And when God's people lived in a land that was not their own, God told them through Jeremiah, "Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7). Pray for the place. Pray for its leaders. Our good is tied to the good of the people around us.

How does a Christian go about this?

We start with obedience and let God work on our hearts as we go. We pray for wisdom for leaders making hard calls. We pray for protection over their families, who did not choose the spotlight. We pray for honest counselors around them and for courage to do what is right.

We also pray without mocking. It is easy to pray words that are really just complaints dressed up. God hears our hearts. So we ask Him to clean our hearts while we pray, to keep them soft, and to keep us from the pride that says we would do it all better.

And we pray together. At the table. In the car. With our church family. Kids who hear their parents pray for leaders they disagree with learn a faith that is bigger than any election.

Put it into practice

• Pray for leaders by name, local and national, a few each day.

• Pray for wisdom for them, and for protection over their families.

• Pray without mocking. Ask God to keep your words and your heart clean.

• Pray for your own heart to stay soft, humble, and free of hate.

• Thank God that He is still on the throne, no matter who holds an office.

• Pray together at home and with your church, so the next generation hears it.

Carry this with you

You do not have to agree with a leader to obey God about him. Prayer is not a stamp of approval. Prayer is an act of faith that says God is in charge, God is listening, and God can work in any heart, including ours. Start today. He will meet you in it.

Questions people ask

Does praying for a leader mean I agree with them?

No. Prayer is not agreement. Prayer is obedience to God and love for people. You can pray for a leader's wisdom, health, and family while still believing some of their choices are wrong.

What if I feel too angry to pray for them honestly?

Tell God the truth about your anger first. He already knows. Ask Him to soften your heart, then pray the simple words you can pray, even if it is only, Lord, give them wisdom and keep people safe. God honors an honest start.

Need prayer right now? Text 1-901-213-7341 and someone will pray with you. Boundless is an online church family for people who cannot get to a building. You can belong here, and we will help you find a local Assemblies of God church near you. Visit boundlessonlinechurch.org.