Scriptures admonish us to pray for those in authority over us. We often apply those Scriptures to our government leaders such as our president, representatives, senators, governors, mayors, council members, and so forth. And rightfully so. But let’s take another look at the passage …
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV).
As families who have an incarcerated loved one, they submit to an authority beginning with the Correction Officers and Wardens within the prison unit to which they are assigned, through the Department of Corrections, to the state governor. Or for those housed in the federal system, from the COs and Wardens all the through to the Federal Bureau of Prisons to the POTUS.
With all those people who are in authority over our loved ones, do we remember to pray for them?
The Scripture from 1 Timothy 2:2 says, “and all who are in authority.” All. We are to pray for them because the Bible is clear that all authority is established by God to accomplish His purposes.
“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1 NKJV).
Whether those in charge at the prison unit are believers in Christ or not, they are there because the Lord allowed them to be. Therefore, we must pray for them.
Our prayers can change the atmosphere of the prison unit. When we pray for those in authority it can lead to “a quiet and peaceable life.”
I think we can all agree that as long as our loved ones must serve their time, we want them to live in peace where they are.
What if we all prayed for those in authority over our incarcerated loved ones? Can our prayers make a difference for them and the prison where they live? I most certainly believe so!
Let’s pray:
Lord, I thank You for Your Word that teaches me how to live. Lord, I come before You today as instructed by You to lift up supplications, prayers, intercession, and give thanks for the correction officers and wardens who are in authority over my loved one’s prison unit. I ask You to have mercy upon them and I thank You for all You will do for them. Lord, I ask that You guide them in Your knowledge and understanding, giving them wisdom for each situation they face. I ask You to protect them from the evil one and meet all of their needs according to Your glorious riches. I pray that they serve You with integrity and honesty. Lord, as I pray for those who are in authority over my incarcerated loved one, I ask they be able to live with peace and quietness so they can spend their time inside living godly lives and serving You wholeheartedly. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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More prayers like the one above are included in Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven: Petitions for Prisoners and Prison Families. This book is available in print and Kindle.
In Appeal to the Courtroom of Heaven: Petitions for Prisoners and Prison Families I share my unexpected prison family journey testimony. I also point out how the Lord redeemed the worst-of-the-worst offenders found in the pages of the Bible and explain an effective prayer strategy I learned from this experience.
I pray my transparency and vulnerability points to the source of HOPE for those who lost hope in the midst of despair.
Click here to learn how to order this book.
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