Prayer for Political Leaders
Today after attending my Tuesday morning prayer meeting, I had a fitness center workout. My legs were a little weak today, but the workout was good and my trainer even commented that he felt that I was already showing signs of greater strength.
This afternoon I came down to Denver to attend some election night events. I will stay with Christian and Bridget and then head home after some meetings tomorrow.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
While conventional wisdom says you shouldn’t discuss “religion or politics” we see very clearly we are to pray for political leaders. With today being an election day I thought it would be good to revisit these verses from Paul’s instructions to Timothy.
First I notice that Paul doesn’t just say pray, but includes all aspects of prayer; “supplications, intercessions and thanksgiving.” Then we see Paul reference the anticipated outcomes for prayers for “kings and all who are in authority”. “That we may lead a peaceful and quite life, godly and dignified in every way.” I must admit that even before entering politics myself that I found it easier to pray for some leaders than others. However, Paul doesn’t give “an out or disclaimer” based on personal preference whether personality or party. As a matter of fact I sometimes found it easier to get along with some members of the opposite party than my own. So when we pray, I believe among other petitions, it is good to believe God for the outcome of our intercessions that Paul mentions.
When we pray for political leaders, we please God. Then we are reminded that the Lord’s greatest and highest desire is for all “to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
If Paul in prison could remind Timothy of this priority as he faced the sentence of an ungodly ruler, how much more in our country today, even with the challenges that are being faced on so many fronts should we heed Paul’s admonition to “pray…for all in authority.”