We can pray with confidence for our kings who have limited authority because we know personally the King who has all authority.
English: US Postage stamp, 1928 issue, Washington at Prayer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Where do revolutions begin? I was reminded yesterday evening that America’s began with a Great Awakening. A mass of prayers were lifted long before a musket was raised. It seems this runs hand in hand with some words Paul once had for Timothy also.
Paul told this young man, “pray for your kings and leaders.” To be quite honest, he didn’t limit his exhortation to governing authorities, but to all men (everyone). But he did specifically mention kings and all who are in authority. What’s humbling is that Paul says this should be our absolute first action. Supplication; prayer; intercession; giving thanks (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
You mean before I grumble about their decisions? Before I ridicule their handling of my tax dollars? Before I condemn their digressive morals? Even before I take my stand against gun control?
Paul says to do this “first of all.” Can I take a quick survey here? Unlike me, did you pray for your President yesterday? Last week? Ever? It’s needless to tell you then that no one in Washington found me interceding on their behalf either.
If I don’t trust the One with all authority enough to simply be obedient in my prayer life for the governing authorities He has placed in my life, why should I look for the quiet and peaceable life that Paul says is behind the purpose of our prayers for them?
Look, I can’t even convince Possum that he can come through the doggie-door on the back porch. Surely I don’t think my moaning and groaning will change someone’s mind in Washington? But the One with all authority can. I think that’s why Paul could insist, “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (2:5).” In essence, pray for their salvation.
If there is to be a revolution, where will it begin? According to Paul, in the closets of faithful believers as they bring their supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving before the Heavenly Father.
Related articles
- Pray Them In (butchdean.wordpress.com)
- “555 Days of Prayer to Save America” to Begin with Five Day Cry for God to Hear Our Prayers (prweb.com)
- The Model Prayer (savedbygraceblogdotcom.wordpress.com)
- Keep In Touch Day 40 (Andy Jackson) (keepintouchseries.org)
- Supplication (cbnindiablogs.wordpress.com)
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mtsweat
I appreciate your thoughts on this subject. Often Romans 13 is referred to, but today I also rediscovered 1 Peter 2:13-17: “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” (NASB)
-Ben
It is our responsibility – and privilege – to pray for our leaders and all in authority. It is also our privilege to write to our politicians (government and opposition parties) politely and respectfully letting them know our thoughts and concerns on matters they are debating. The silent majority needs to speak up as well as pray up.
Very well said good friend. Very well said. Blessings