If you’re reading this, I’m aware that you probably already know this. I’m thinking that you, like me, might just need a reminder or fresh resource–especially now.
Whether our candidates won or lost in the recent elections, this Scripture applies to us. It’s all too easy for us to be convinced that our side is right. Therefore, obviously, that means the other side is wrong. Or, we pride ourselves on finding the perfect balance between both extremes because obviously, BOTH sides are wrong!
Regardless of our political views, I want to call us back to prayer.
In the New Testament letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul wrote:
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
2 Timothy 2:1-7
In this simple blog post, I don’t want to dissect the passage and get lost in all the nuances of the original language, etc. Sometimes, that can be appropriate and very helpful. Other times, it can keep us from understanding and acting upon the clear truth that God has revealed.
Let’s look a little closer. Paul urges first of all, that
- petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving
- be made for all people—
- 2 for kings and all those in authority,
- that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Paul urges us to pray for all people (not just believers) and all those in authority (not just the ones we happen to like this week).
One of the reasons he lists is so that we may lead peaceful and quiet lives.
I began learning this truth many years ago. Occasionally, God gives me additional opportunities to keep learning it. (That’s like summer school for adults.)
I remember one time that I was really struggling at work. I found myself complaining a lot and very troubled about how things were going. I knew this passage well. God brought it back to mind. I was reminded that I was not praying for my manager.
I remember thinking, “God tells me to pray for those in authority so that I might live a peaceful and tranquil life. If I’m not praying for my boss and I’m not living a peaceful and tranquil life, it’s my own fault.”
So, let’s commit to praying for those in authority at a national, regional, and local level–in government and at work, or school.
I found a free nonpartisan resource today that looks helpful. https://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/. It seems to be very good and helpful without being overly political. One emphasis is praying for the new administration for the first 100 days.
Every 4 years, beginning on Inauguration Day, we commit to 100 days of prayer over the president’s administration. These first 100 days are often crucial as new Cabinet-level positions are appointed and confirmed, new policies are set into motion, and work alongside the new Congress begins.
https://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/
Pray for those in authority in your own nation, workplace, or school. Management and leadership are hard work. Often people are promoted to those positions without any training or guidance for effectiveness. They can be easy targets for complaints. God calls us to rise above the crowd to be part of the solution. We can pray for them. Sometimes God changes them. Sometimes God changes us. Either way, let’s pray.
