Articles
Pray for the King
Pray for the King
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Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Tim. 2:1-2)
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In this first letter to his young protégé, Paul had a long list of topics to cover, most of which concerned Timothy's work with the church at Ephesus--the appointment of church officers, the care of needy widows, managing master/servant relationships, and Timothy's own self-discipline as a servant of the Lord--the sort of useful stuff that a young preacher would need to know to be successful in his ministry.
But the first item on Paul's list, before he tackled any of those other responsibilities, was the subject of public prayer. Specifically, he enjoined that "the men everywhere" (v. 8) pray for the king and those in authority (v. 2).
It's difficult for us today to appreciate the jarring impact of that command. When Paul wrote this, the Roman Empire was ruled by Nero, a corrupt and neurotic young emperor who had already murdered his own mother. A few years hence, Paul himself would fall under Nero's sword. Ancient historians mention that Nero used Christians as human torches to light his evening garden parties. The saints had every reason to fear, even revile, Nero. But the very first thing Paul tells Timothy to do is: Train our people to pray for the king and others in authority.
Why does Paul put this at the top of his list? He gives the reason in the same verse: "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
It is no secret that our quality of life is tied directly to the caliber of leadership at the top of our government. But that leadership is influenced by the providential oversight of God. Leaders come and go at His whim. Their decisions, good or bad, are often enhanced or thwarted by divine intervention. God plays a far greater role in the affairs of nations than we generally give Him credit for.
So if we are unhappy with the competence of our nation's leaders, the best thing we can do to rectify the problem is to pray for them. Ask God to give them the wisdom to make good decisions. Plead with God to intercede in their decisions. On those occasions when our leaders do make wise policy moves, even if accidentally, take time to thank God for their contribution to social well-being.
Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative, socialist or libertarian, our politicians carry the weight of the nation on their shoulders. They deserve the prayers of God's people in the interest of making everyone's life a little easier.
--David
