Fervent Prayer: Government
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time." 1Timothy 2:1-6 ESV
Today we are continuing our week of focused prayer by praying for governments and authorities. At times, praying for those in governmental authority may feel pointless, especially when those we are praying for don’t know God or share our personal political views. But regardless of what our own feelings may be, Scripture directs us to be in subjection to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1-4, 1 Peter 2:13-14). And in our text for the week, Paul writes to Timothy and instructs him to pray for all people as well as those in “high positions”.
The reason that Paul gives is “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Paul recognized that, despite a corrupt political system, the government is responsible for keeping public order and prosecuting those that break laws. He was directing Timothy (and us) to pray for the leaders so that they would rule in a way that allows for peaceful, godly lives. This includes praying that elections, law making, and judicial decisions would create a political environment that allows for freedom to worship and the ability to live according to Biblical standards. In addition, because God desires all people to be saved, we should be praying that our leaders come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Please join us today as we lift up our national, state, and local leaders in prayer. Pray that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Pray that they would have wisdom in law making, interpreting, and enforcing. Pray that we continue to have peaceful freedom of worship in our country, states, and cities. And pray that our persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the world would be allowed greater peace in worshiping our God.
In addition, please pray for all of the law-enforcement officers within our country. With the nationwide controversies, new threats have arisen against those that have sworn to protect the public. And with the recent random attacks, their dangerous jobs have become even more hazardous. Pray for these officers and their safety. Pray that they would have wisdom and caution in all circumstances, and that they would uphold justice with restraint and accountability.