For All That Are In Authority
Today’s Verse:
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. ~1 Timothy 2:1-2
Seventeen years ago, on September 11, 2001, terrorists launched an attack on American soil. Piloting two separate airplanes, they crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City. The buildings collapsed shortly after the crashes, resulting in the deaths of over 3,000 people. It was an unforgettable, tragic day in history. This morning, we are reminded from God’s Word of a basic and binding responsibility that we have for all government leaders. We are to pray for kings and for all that are in authority.
We are to pray for them INTENTIONALLY.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority.” Paul exhorts that we are to pray with intention for our government leaders. He said, “First of all.” This implies priority in our praying. He said that we should make supplications, prayers, and giving of thanks. We tend to talk more about the faults of government leaders than we do for the faith of government leaders. Government leaders are powers that have been ordained of God. The office they hold is recognized by God as one of authority. Our praying is to be intense and involved. Our prayer lists should emphasize praying for our leaders.
We are to pray for them INTELLIGENTLY.
We must pray for their salvation if they are unsaved. We must pray for their decision-making and the many pieces of legislation that they will consider. We must pray that the perspective by which they approach the laws of our land is not driven by political persuasion or affiliation, but by morality and integrity. We must pray that their families and home life are a priority to them. We must pray that they are not ensnared by the temptation of power while in office. We must pray that they are delivered from being a pawn of the evil one.
We are to pray for them INDIVIDUALLY.
As Paul wrote this exhortation, I believe that he knew his government leaders by their names. He had the privilege to witness of his faith to a few of them. It is proper and biblical for us to pray for our leaders by name and for their respective offices. This encompasses our national, state, and local leaders. We should write them and let them know that they are prayed for. Praying for them individually forces us to write them and let them know that they are being prayed for.
We are to pray for them INSPIRATIONALLY.
“That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Our praying for them affects us in what we do and in our respective societies. We pray for them so that our society is a better place. We pray for them so that our testimony is pure and right. We pray for them so that our conduct as citizens is civil and right. Our praying for them will help us live in safer neighborhoods. We pray for them so that things done on a business and transactional level result in godliness and honesty.
We can circumvent many social and political ills if we follow the exhortation in 1 Tim. 2:1-2. Take some time to identify the leaders of the community that should be on your prayer list.
Have a prayerful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 37-39