Praying for Leaders, part three

Galatians 2:2 

 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

There is a misconception running rampant. I’m bringing it up as a warning, that we would be aware and not fall into the trap.

Many think we’re supposed to pray and God will make stuff happen for us.

That’s not what prayer is all about.

Prayer is about developing a relationship with God. We are supposed to listen to God, talk to God, and do what he tells us.

It’s really that simple. The praise and worship happens naturally when you get to know God. You can’t help but worship someone who loves you so completely and strengthens you for tasks that fill you with joy.

So while we’re praying for our leaders, we can be asking God if there is something we should be doing. Our job is to pray for leaders, but if God gives us something to say to them, then we should not hesitate to obey God.  

Paul, the author of the book of Galatians, made a private appointment with some leaders because he had received revelation from God. He didn’t do it as a dare he’d accepted from one of his buddies. He didn’t buy a table at a fund-raiser so he could pin down a politician and preach to him, just because he felt it should be done.

If God reveals something to us, we should act on it like Paul did.

However, there is a difference between being sent by God and doing something because you think someone should be doing it. If you take action because of a revelation from God, you are acting under his authority. You’re an ambassador. But if you just go and do because you want to go and do, God didn’t send you. You’re on your own. Don’t be surprised if you’re not successful.

Sometimes prayer is followed by specific action, but let the action be directed by God.