As you read this list, consider your internal response to each name: 
Lincoln Gandhi Castro Sharon Wilberforce Hitler Thatche Putin Reagan Mandela
You possibly had a different response to each one. They were, and perhaps still are, considered powerful and influential leaders. But the direction in which they have led and what that has meant for their followers and those under their influence is varied widely.
The recent deaths of leaders such as Ariel Sharon and Nelson Mandela remind us of the extraordinary influence and impact one life can make. It is also a reminder to pray for our leaders in our own nations and in Israel—to engage in prayer for their successes and struggles and the impact they will have.
Who are the world leaders in the news this week? This day? Netanyahu, Obama, Putin, Merkel, Rouhani … the list goes on and on. As leaders, and as individuals, those in authority over people groups and nations are both targets for the enemy and the objects of God’s wooing love. They are each at the crosshairs of an intense spiritual battle for the welfare of millions. It often happens that as they go, so go those under their leadership.
Our national and world leaders will have an impact. Some will leave a mark for good. Some will leave a mark for evil. Others will merely mark time, leaving little legacy at all. They all need our prayers, but even more importantly, we are mandated to pray for them in God’s Word. Let’s follow the urging of 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and pray for our national, world, and Israeli leaders, interceding as well as giving thanks, that all under their leadership would be free to live godly and peaceful lives, and the Good News would go forth and flourish, seeing many come to the knowledge of the truth.
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