How to Pray, God’s Way, Who to Pray for in

for Your Political Leaders www.pray1tim2.org

www.pray1tim2.org HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (Here are 9 suggestions based on selected scripture.) Beverly M. Earle KJohn A. Fraley 1. Salvation of those who have not yet put their Verla Insko Charles Graham Julia C. Howard Kelly E. Hastings faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Henry M. Michaux, Jr. Political leaders, like all people, need the forgiveness of sins and Mitchell S. Setzer Jonathan C. Jordan John R. Bradford, III the new life that comes through putting one’s faith in Jesus Marvin W. Lucas Rodney W. Moore Christ. “God our Savior . . . . wants all men to be saved and to John M. Blust Howard J. Hunter, III come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Timothy 2:3b-4). Praying Linda P. Johnson Harry Warren for the salvation of political leaders should be a top priority in a Larry M. Bell Christian’s life (Acts 4:10-12; Romans 10:9). Larry G. Pittman Brian Turner 2. Divine Wisdom Tim Moore Allen McNeill Political leaders are regularly called upon to make very difficult Jean Farmer-Butterfield Ted Davis, Jr. decisions that affect many people. Divine wisdom is available for David R. Lewis those who ask God for it (James 1:5). Good decisions will seldom John Sauls be made without God’s wisdom (Psalm 111:10). Susan C. Fisher David Rogers 3. Discernment George G. Cleveland Sometimes there is a fine line between a right or a wrong deci- Michael H. Wray John Autry sion. Every day a political leader is called upon to vote on an Chris Malone issue that may or may not be good for the people they repre- sent. It is in these times they need Godly discernment (1 Kings Garland E. Pierce Rena W. Turner Mary Belk 3:9). Beverly G. Boswell 4. Courage William D. Brisson John R. Bell, IV Pat B. Hurley Political expediency often trumps a political leader’s conscience. Pat McElraft Andy Dulin It is only with courage that a leader will trust that God is the protector and defender of all right decisions (2 Samuel 10:12). Kelly M. Alexander, Jr. Stephen M. Ross Terry E. Garrison Destin Hall 5. Perseverance James L. Boles, Jr. When political leaders act courageously and make right deci- Justin P. Burr Susan Martin sions they must be able to persevere through the pressure, tests Michele D. Presnell and trials that will surely come their way. Even when their ca- Sarah Stevens Brenden H. Jones reers may be at stake, they must persevere and do the right Darren G. Jackson George Graham Larry W. Potts thing (James 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:7). Chuck McGrady Edward Hanes, Jr. Amos L. Quick, III 6. Humility John A. Torbett Larry C. Strickland Political leaders have great power, deal with immense sums of William Brawley Jeff Collins money, and are often treated like royalty. This can quickly go to Donna McDowell White Duane Hall their heads and lead to arrogance and pride. Pray that God will William O. Richardson Bobbie Richardson Rosa U. Gill keep them on their knees and heed His instruction; so that being Gregory F. Murphy, MD Josh Dobson led by Him they may rightly lead those they represent (1 Peter Carla D. Cunningham Graig R. Meyer 5:5; Isaiah 66:2). Robert T. Reives, II D. Craig Horn 7. Teachability When a political leader is wise and resists the temptation of pride, a teachable spirit will be evident (Proverbs 9:9; Ecclesias- SENATORS tes 4:13). We never know so much that God has nothing new to teach us. John M. Alexander James W. Davis Paul R. Newton 8. Moral Integrity Louis M. Pate Political leaders regularly encounter strong temptations that Ronald J. Rabin include greed, deceitfulness, sexual immorality, and alcohol and Joel Ford William P. Rabon drug abuse. They are often away from their families for many Tamara Barringer Valerie P. Foushee Shirley Randleman days at a time with little to no accountability. Pray for them to Philip Edward Berger Gladys Robinson have the strength to resist these temptations that can destroy Dan Bishop Norman Sanderson their lives, families, as well as their effectiveness as leaders Daniel T. Blue Erica Smith-Ingram (Psalm 25:21; Isaiah 33:15-16). Danny Earl Britt Harry Brown Brent Jackson Jerry W. Tillman 9. Self-control Angela R. Bryant Jeff Jackson Tommy Tucker Political leaders face daily temptations that can cause them to Jay J. Chaudhuri lose control of their attitudes and actions. They cannot control Robert B. Clark Michael V. Lee their circumstances but they can control their response to those William M. Cook Paul A. Lowe circumstances. Prayer to maintain self-control is paramount for David L. Curtis Tom McInnis Andy Wells their success (Proverbs 25:28; 2 Timothy 1:7). The Message par- Floyd B. McKissick J. Michael Woodard aphrase interestingly translates Proverbs 16:32b, self-control is Don Davis Wesley A. Meredith Lt. Gov. Dan Forest better than political power.