“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.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV
Jim was having an animated discussion with his wife in the living room. They were playfully arguing over the rules for their nightly chess game.
When Jim looked over, he realized his teenage son was scowling at the TV. The headlines were proclaiming yet another politician who had been accused of a crime. “There’s so much evil in the world,” his son exclaimed. “How can I make any difference at all?”
Jim thought for a moment, then 1 Timothy 2:1-2 came to mind. He said, “You can pray for your leaders, your mayor, governor, Congressmen and women. Even our president.”
“But how do I pray for them?” his son asked. “I don’t know where to start.”
“You could pray for their physical safety,” Jim’s wife offered. “That any evil planned against them would be thwarted.”
“That they would stand firm in the face of temptation,” Jim added.
“And that God would provide them with wisdom so they would lead gently, not oppressing the people they serve,” his wife said.
Praying for those in authority can be a wonderful way to show more grace, love, and mercy. When you regularly intercede for leaders, you become less concerned with which side is right and more focused on living a godly life.
Prayer:
Lord, I confess, sometimes the corruption and lies and viewpoints discourage me. But help me to remember that I can do something, I can pray for my country and its leaders. Teach me how to intercede for those in authority. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
