The last step in our intercessory discipline is to pray for those who
are over us politically.  The apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, and the
church to pray and give thanks first of all for all men, especially
for those in authority over us such as kings, and government
officials.   The political world Paul was referring to was far from
pleasant.  It would be only a few years and Paul would be executed by
order of the Emperor of Rome.   I am sure Paul would not have voted
for Nero to be emperor or Rome, noneth eless he maintained his
perspective of God's Sovereignty even in dictatorships.

Paul was fully aware of the tendency of Christians to complain about
politicians and taxes the governmental bureaucracy and the military.
Complaining doesn't cut it in Paul's world view.  The best way to
change a bad situation is to PRAY FOR THE LEADERS. His reasoning for
prayer for the kings and authorities is given in Romans 13:1-4.

Finally the example of Samuel's attitude of prayer for King Saul.
Although Saul was in an unremorseful sinful, backsidden condition,
Samuel nonethe less recognized that it was incumbant on hims to
continue to pray for the King.  "God forbid that I should sin against
the Lord in ceasing to pray for you."  1Samuel 12:23.  Daniel also
under adverse kings who did not honor God, prayed for them and God
wrought wonders.

The scope of our prayers, intercessions, supplications and giving of
thanks should certainly be wider than our own government.  We should
be praying for the world political systems.  We are exhorted to:



"PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM."

1. We are to pray for Israel and God's people everywhere and for the
governments that oppress them.

2. We should be praying diligently for the dictators and oppressor,
and persecutors of the world. (For Saddam Hussein, for rebel troops in
Liberia, Somalia, Eastern Europe.)

3. We should be prevail in prayer for countries under communist rule
such as China, where the Gospel is repressed and God's people
persecuted and imprisoned.

4. We should pray for the United Nations, and for troops on battle
grounds across the globe.

5. We should be praying for countries that are suppliers of illegal
drugs, where drug cartels oppress, and drug wars rage.

6. We should pray for prisons and prisoners and their salvation and
transformation.

7. We should pray for our police system.  We should pray for our
military leaders and soldiers in the field.



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              How To Pray For Our President
                  (by Charles Stanley)

1. Pray that our President would realize his personal  sinfulness and
       his daily need of cleansing.

2. Pray that he would recognize his personal inadequacy and depend on
       God for wisdom and courage.

3. Pray that he would reject all counsel that objects to Godly
       principles.

4. Pray that he would resist those who pressure him to violate his
       own conscience.

5. Pray that by God's power he would reverse the socialistic and
       humanistic values/attitudes that glorify man and not God.

6. Pray that he would be willing to forsake his personal ambitions
       and office if it is in the best interest of the country.

7. Pray that he would rely on the Bible and prayer as his source of
       wisdom in his daily life.

8. Pray that he would restore dignity, honor, trustworthiness and
       righteousness to the office of the President.

9. Pray that he would remember to be a good example in conduct to the
       fathers and sons of our nation.

10. Pray that he would be reminded daily that he is accountable to
        God for his actions/decisions.



HELPFUL HINTS:


1.  Prayer over your newspaper. A world class newspaper with lots of 
international and national news is better than local papers.