“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, or kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.”
1 Timothy 2:1-4 Amplified Bible
Reflection
Every community has businesses that employ, provide, and serve the people in that community—and often far beyond. In the town where I grew up, large factories provided work for thousands of people. As these companies grew, smaller businesses emerged to support them, offering parts, services, and supplies. Over time, stores, restaurants, and service providers followed, all working together to sustain the local economy. Behind every one of those businesses were leaders whose decisions influenced not just the companies themselves but the overall prosperity of the entire community.
When people ask how they can pray for business and those in the marketplace, I often respond by encouraging them to begin in their own cities and towns, focusing on the leaders of local businesses. These individuals carry the heavy burden of leading teams, making decisions that affect the lives of employees, their families, and ultimately, the whole community. They are the backbone of our local economies, responsible for keeping the lights on, the people employed, and the community flourishing. Praying for them will have a ripple effect that benefits many.
I encourage you to start by identifying the key businesses and employers in your area. Do some research to find out who leads those organizations—the owners, CEOs, executives, and managers. Make your prayers personal by praying for these individuals by name, asking God to give them wisdom, strength, and integrity as they navigate the challenges of running a business. These leaders face significant pressures, and your prayers can offer them the spiritual support they may not even know they need.
Remember, the decisions business leaders make affect not only their companies but also the families who depend on those jobs – and ultimately you and your community. They and their families need wisdom, guidance and protection from God, and we can stand in the gap for them through prayer. By lifting them up, and interceding for them, we are also lifting up and interceding for the welfare of our communities.
Will you join me in prayer?
Father, we lift up the business leaders in our communities to You in the name of Jesus. We ask that You guide them with wisdom and integrity in every, single decision they make. Lord, bless their personal lives and their families, granting them peace and fruitfulness amidst the many responsibilities they carry. Strengthen them to endure the pressures they face daily, and may their work bless them, and prosper in ways that reflect Your goodness and purpose.
We pray that their decisions would be in accord with Your will, impacting their companies, employees, and their entire communities for the better. Surround them with wise counsel, protect them from harm, and let Your hand be evident in all they do. If they know you, bless them with Your presence and peace. If they don’t know you yet, bring them and their families into loving relationship with You, because You tell us that You wish that all people “be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.” We trust in Your loving kindness and you’re Your faithfulness Father, knowing that You hear and answer our prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Serving Him with gladness,
Kathy Branzell
President
