Prayer for Those in Authority: Psalm 72-Supplication through the Scriptures

Prayer for Those in Authority

Psalm 72

Everyone lives under some kind of authority. In our homes, jobs, cities, and countries, God has ordained order within relationships. He established many relationships of authority and submission and gave instructions on how to live within those relationships.

He has directed that we submit to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17). He told wives to submit to their husbands and children to their parents (Ephesians 5:22; 6:1; 1 Peter 3:1-6). He gave instructions on how servants were to submit to their masters, which we now apply to relationships of order in the workplace (Ephesians 6:5; 1 Peter 2:18). There is order in the church and God tells us in Hebrews 13:7, 17 to obey and follow our elders/pastors. And, ultimately we all live under the authority of God.

We do not always get to choose those in authority over us. But what we can choose to do is pray fervently and faithfully for them. Whether they are Christians or not, we can plead with the Lord that they would rule in a way that brings honor to Him and is a blessing to those under them. “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” (1 Timothy‬ ‭2:1-2‬). Let’s persevere in prayer for those in any high position over us, and seek to honor both the Lord and them.

Pray through Psalm 72 for our leaders to lead righteously.

Rule with Righteousness

72:1-4 Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!

Let’s pray for those in authority over us in our home, workplace, church, community, and country:

▫️They would judge righteously and live with integrity.

▫️Those under their authority would prosper because of their kind and wise leadership.

▫️They would defend the poor, the weak, and the more vulnerable.

▫️If it is in their power to bring deliverance for those in need or defend others from those who are oppressing them, they would do it righteously and always stand for what is right and true.

Fear the Lord

72:5-7 May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more!

Let’s pray:

▫️They would walk in the fear of the Lord (Psalm 34:9).

▫️They would be a conduit of blessing to those under their authority.

▫️The righteous leaders would flourish as well as those who live righteously under them, and they would not cause those under them any reason to groan (Proverbs 29:2).

▫️Those in authority would live righteously and godly, and peace would abound where they lead.

Imitate the Lord

72:8-11 May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him!

Let’s pray:

▫️As the Lord rules over all things well, these leaders in their sphere of influence would reflect Christ’s rule.

▫️As God’s followers submit to God and His Word, those who are under authority would joyfully submit to those in authority as he leads them rightly.

▫️As God’s people render to God gifts of praise and honor, so those under authority would honor and speak well of those over them.

▫️As God’s followers serve the Lord with gladness, those under authority would gladly serve and follow the direction of those over them.

Compassion for the Needy

72:12-14 For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight.

Let’s pray for those in authority:

▫️When others ask for help, they would listen and deliver aid to those who have no helper; they would help those who cannot help themselves.

▫️They would have pity and compassion for those in need. They would have eyes to see those under their authority that are suffering and need their tender care and guidance.

▫️They would not lead by compulsion or obligation but because those under them are precious and dear to them.

Prayer Made For Him Continually

72:15-20 Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field! May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

Let’s pray:

▫️As they honor the Lord and lead well, the Lord would grant them length of days.

▫️They would continually be lifted up in prayer and would be blessed by those under their authority.

▫️Under their leadership, there would be blessing and abundance, and people would blossom and grow to be fruitful.

▫️People would be blessed by those in authority over them, and those in authority would be called blessed by others because of their faithful life and leadership.

▫️All glory and blessing would be directed to God alone, who does wondrous things and is the giver of all good things.

May the Lord do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, for His glory and our good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Photo credit to amaury_guti

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