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 

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Twenty-four years ago on September 11, 2001, an attack by terrorists occurred on American soil. The Twin Towers in New York City were the targets of two separate airplane incidents in which the planes were crashed into the buildings. The buildings eventually collapsed, resulting in close to 3,000 deaths. It was an unforgettable day in history. This morning, we are reminded from God’s Word of a basic and binding responsibility 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 we should make supplications, prayers, and thanksgiving. We tend to complain more about the faults of government leaders than we do about 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 have as their emphasis 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 to be driven by political persuasion, political affiliation, or self-interest, 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 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. Praying for them individually encourages us to write them and to let them know we are praying for them. 

We are to pray for them inspirationally. 

“That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 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 that are 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 Timothy 2:1-2. Take some time to pray for the leaders of our local, state, and national government. 

Have a prayerful God Morning! 

Bible Reading Schedule: Ezekiel 43-45

#1Timothy #Government #Prayer