Did you know the White House Chief of Staff is one of the most powerful people in America? In over four decades of being an American, I had paid exactly zero attention to who the White House Chief of Staff was or what they did at any particular time. Can you identify?
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However, after studying this position in some detail, I realized that we as intercessors for this nation need to be covering this presidential confidante in prayer.
It could be speculated that the position of White House Chief of Staff (WHCOS) is the most powerful job in America after the President.
The WHCOS is the gatekeeper to the President. He controls access to the President. This person even controls what information reaches the President’s ears and when.
Not only that, but the WHCOS also advises the President on all matters. From foreign policy to crisis management; from handling of scandals to natural disasters … the WHCOS is the President’s most trusted advisor, and he whispers in the President’s ear about all things.
The WHCOS is a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week job.
Despite the power and prestige associated with the position, former White House Chiefs of Staff have been known to state that it is the worst job in America. Turnover is high; average tenure of a WHCOS is only 18 months. A Chief of Staff is constantly pummeled with incoming information from all sides at all hours, and he must exercise wise judgment about what to respond to, what to funnel into the President’s ears; and how to manage the President’s executive office staff from day to day.
It seems to me that the White House Chief of Staff could use some prayer.
The current WHCOS (as of March 2023) is Jeff Zients; but, again, this could change at any time. The Chief of Staff serves at the pleasure of the President. Regardless of who occupies this post at the time you read, however, would you pray with me for the WHCOS in general?
Let’s pray as follows:
“Dear Heavenly Father, we come to You in Jesus’ name. Thank You for hearing our prayer today. Thank You that Your Word says that, where two agree as touching any thing, it shall be done for them.
Abba Father, we lift up the White House Chief of Staff to You today.
Your Word says that You are the great Giver of Wisdom. Therefore, we ask today in Jesus’ name that You would give great wisdom to Mr. Zients, and to any who follow him in this position. Whoever the gatekeeper is from moment to moment, God, we implore You to be the voice behind them, saying “This is the way; walk in it.”
Give the Chief of Staff ears to hear You and eyes to see You. Give them a nose to smell Your fragrance. Help them to hear Your voice and obey it at all times, even if they don’t know it’s You they are obeying.
Father, awaken the COS’ conscience to righteousness. Help them know Your will and do it. Help them to love righteousness and hate lawlessness. Give them clean hands and a pure heart. Help them to love life and protect it; let them despise the shedding of innocent blood, the way You also do.
We also ask today in Jesus’ name that the White House Chief of Staff would tell the President everything You want him to hear—but nothing You do not want him to hear.
Let the COS give only wise counsel to the President. Expose and reveal every hidden thing to him and about him that needs to be exposed and revealed.
Father, we pray that the President’s executive office would run smoothly and for the benefit of the American people.
The White House Chief of Staff, together with his deputies, may be the most vital part of that process. Protect this person; let the position always be filled only by whomever You desire to fill it. Let that COS be a harborer and disseminator of wisdom, prudence, understanding, and discretion by Your Spirit. Protect them and their families personally; refresh and refuel them; and let them be a benefit and a blessing to the American people.
Thank you, Heavenly Father. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
What other prayer points can you think of that would be important for the White House Chief of Staff? Leave your comment below and share how you are also praying for this vital person in US government!
Jamie Rohrbaugh is the founder and CEO of From His Presence. She is the author of Getting to Know the Sevenfold Holy Spirit, and she seeks to equip you to carry His manifest glory everywhere you go. Her resources have been published by YouVersion Bible Plans, Charisma Magazine, The Elijah List, Spirit Fuel, and various other ministry outlets. You can find free mentoring on her podcast, Take Your Territory with Jamie Rohrbaugh, which is available through your favorite podcast streaming app. Download her free prayer tool, Praying the Names of God: 555 Biblical Names of God and How to Use Them in Prayer and Worship, here. Photo Credit: Canva.