God calls us to intercession, not accusation.  In Revelation, Satan is called the accuser of the brethren.  In Romans and Hebrews, Jesus is called our Intercessor.  Who do we follow… the accuser or the Intercessor?  Praying churches are praying for their leaders.  Forgotten Power, David Butts.

To complain is easy.  To be a part of the solution is difficult.  To point out what leaders do wrong is simple.  To help them lead well is tough.  To gossip comes naturally.  To build up takes humility.

It has been said that you get the leadership you pray for.  Some of the best church leaders in history asked their people to pray for them.  Paul asked the Thessalonians to “pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored… and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men.  For not all have faith,” 2 Thess. 3:1-2.  Paul asked the Ephesians to pray “for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel… that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak,” Eph. 6:19-20.  The author of Hebrews asked believers to “Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.  I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner,” Heb. 13:18-19.  If these Christlike leaders needed prayer, how much more does every leader in the church today? 

One powerful way to advance the Kingdom of God is to pray earnestly and honestly for the leadership that God has put in place in His church.  All leaders are flawed human beings, but God chose them to fulfill a role in His Kingdom.  That role that is beyond their ability.  It makes them a target of the enemy.  He knows if he can take down the leaders, he can do serious damage to the church. 

Do not underestimate the power of praying for church leadership in advancing God’s Kingdom.  Prayer is so powerful and important that Romans 8 tells us the Holy Spirit prays for us, v. 26, and Jesus prays for us, v. 34.  If they believe in the power of prayer for advancing God’s Kingdom, shouldn’t we?