In the spring of 1776, Abigail Adams penned a famous letter to her husband, John Adams, who served in the Continental Congress. She urged him to “remember the ladies” as they fought for independence. Her letter was a cry for liberty and equality for all women. Years later, she became first lady when John Adams became the second President of the United States. She is often thought of as a pioneer for women’s rights. The Lord reminded me of those three words, most recently in prayer, and left a prayer assignment for the intercessors.

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“Remember the Ladies”

I was sitting at my desk when those three words came to me. It is fitting because I thought about Melania Trump and how I could pray for her. She was weighing on my thoughts that day. I realized what the Lord asked by saying, “Remember the ladies.” Remember them in your prayers. Most of our time and intercession is spent on the President, and rightly so as the leader of our nation, but do we intercede for the first ladies the same fervency? 

Influencers are popular these days, but there is nothing new under the sun. Christians are the original influencers. Jesus trained twelve disciples, eleven of whom, as well as new converts, turned the world upside down, spreading the gospel. Now, it’s our turn to be those influencers. 

We are salt and light, a city on a hill, a shining light in the darkness. What impact does this have on the world? According to Matthew 5:13-16, our conduct glorifies God. Have you ever been influenced by a godly Christian who truly lived out their faith? I know I have. That’s a perfect picture of influence, and it can be either way.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV). Yes, who you surround yourself with matters. Whether it’s family, friends, or coworkers, you can be easily influenced by those around you for evil too. Think about how your conversation and mannerisms change in the presence of ungodly coworkers, family, and friends. You are being influenced whether you are aware of it or not. 

Women are influential and can be used for good or evil. Consider these Biblical figures. The most infamous is Queen Jezebel, who greatly influenced her husband, King Ahab, for evil.

(No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the Lord’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife, Jezebel. His worst outrage was worshiping idols just as the Amorites had done—the people whom the Lord had driven out from the land ahead of the Israelites.)

(1 Kings 21:25-26 NLT). 

King Solomon, the wisest man in the world, turned away from God due to the influence of his pagan wives (see 1 Kings 11:1-8). Delilah manipulated and nagged Samson until she got him to reveal the secret of his strength, a special gift from God (see Judges 6:16-17). Of course, we can’t forget the original woman of influence, Eve (see Genesis 3:6-7).

Don’t worry, ladies; it’s not all negative. Here are some positive biblical influences.

Deborah was a wife, mother, and prophetess who yielded such influence that she was chosen to be a judge. She went alongside Barak into the war (see Judges 4:4-7). Queen Esther fasted and prayed and was given influence to turn the heart of King Ahasuerus, who had been duped into executing the Jews by Haman (see  Esther 7:1-10). Aquila and Priscilla are perfect examples of a godly husband and wife team (see Acts 18:1-4). 

Looking to First Ladies in History

President Abraham Lincoln could come to mind if we think about admiral presidents. Many know his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, held seances in the White House. It is said that she connected with a group of mediums and used them to find comfort after the death of her son Willie. Evidence suggests she hosted eight seances in the Red Room of the White House, and it is believed President Lincoln was present for a few of them. 

President Ronald Reagan is also renowned. His wife Nancy, his closest advisor, was influenced by and close to an astrologer named Joan Quigley. Joan wrote a book detailing her time advising both Nancy and Ronald Reagan. She was their advisor for seven years and was responsible for many of their speeches. Here, we see Nancy, who influenced her husband, being influenced by someone who dabbles in the occult. 

In both Mary Todd Lincoln’s and Nancy Reagan’s stories, both claimed to turn to spiritualism to cope. Mary Todd Lincoln, after the death of her son, could not be consoled. Nancy Reagan says she turned to Joan after the failed assassination attempt of Ronald Reagan. She was overcome with fear and sought guidance; however, both women were deceived into seeking help in the wrong place. 

There is a 2016 video of former President Bill Clinton stating that his wife, Hillary, “communed” with the spirit of Eleanor Roosevelt. When this became circulated, Hillary claimed it was an exercise more akin to brainstorming sessions and imaginary chats. But seeing this history of famous first ladies turning to spiritualism, it’s possible she knew what she was doing.

They are not speaking to people who have passed. It’s deceiving demonic familiar spirits. It’s necromancy and, for believers, it’s forbidden by God (see  Deuteronomy 18:9-12). 

Don’t Forget to Pray for the Ladies

Pray for President Trump often, but don’t forget about Melania Trump. Recently, in her memoir, she revealed that she is pro-choice. Pray for Vice President J.D Vance, but don’t forget about Usha Vance, whose faith is Hindu. What kind of influence does this mean for their husbands? Time will tell. Many who have followed IFA for some time know foundational scriptures such as 1 Timothy 2:1-4. 

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NIV). 

God wants all people (men, women, and children) to be saved and come to know the truth. Our intercession can make this possible. Intercessors are also influencers. Remember, these women are also wives and mothers. It’s not only the President and leaders who come under scrutiny and live their lives in a ‘fishbowl” for the whole world to see. The wives do, too. 

Remember, they also carry a sphere of influence. 

Here is how you can pray for them.

• Pray for the unsaved wives to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
• Pray that their influence be used in a godly manner towards their husbands to righteousness and not sin.
• Pray they will reject occult practices such as necromancy and forms of spiritualism.
• Pray they will seek God in times of worry, fear, and frustration. 
• Pray that God would surround them with praying women and godly advisors.
• Pray they will not succumb to Jezebellic tendencies to usurp authority. 
• Pray for their families. Mothers can also influence their children negatively as well. Consider Herodias, who used her daughter as a pawn to manipulate King Herod into murdering John the Baptist (see Mark 14:6-12). Maacah, who bore the title Queen Mother, made an obscene Asherah Pole. This was detestable to God. She was deposed by her grandson, King Asa (see 1 Kings 15:9-13). 
• Pray for Spirit-filled husband and wife teams in our government. 

How will you be praying for this administration? Share your prayers in the comments. 

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast. Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Pvt. Gabriel Silva.