Have someone read this out loud: Learning to pray is important for followers of Jesus. Here’s what 1 Timothy says:
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (MSG)
A big word for “in charge” is authority. The Bible tells us to pray for all people in authority. For example, teachers, police officers, bosses. (Even the authorities we don’t like.) Name some people you know that are in charge of lots of people. Name some people that are in charge of you. Take turns praying for those people. You thank God for each of them by name. You can ask God to help them be good leaders and make good decisions. Ask God to help them with things they might be worried about and give them courage. Ask God to help them know Jesus. Or anything else you think of as you pray for them.
Want some more challenges? Try one (or both) of these:
Prayer Dare: Think about the people you prayed for. PIck the one that it seems hardest for you to follow. Continue to pray for that person for the next three days.
Double Dog Dare: Write the person you picked a note. (Again, this is the one that you feel is hardest to follow.) In kindness, write a note that lets them know you are grateful for their leadership and are praying for them. For example, I just want to let you know I am thankful for you and your leadership. And I am praying for you.