Lessons in Prayer - 1 Timothy 2:1-8 - Political Leaders

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

I looked more into v1 yesterday so if you want to read up on the need of salvation to be taken to the lost people of the world it's there.  But I felt you had to read v1 to better flow into v2.

In v2, Paul asks the church to pray for "kings and all who are in high positions."  They didn't have as many political leader titles as we do now so I'm glad he added the part about all in high positions.  Many rulers in Paul's day had made the mistake of becoming arrogant in their own strength after becoming ruler, and that turned them hostile towards God.  Given their negative feelings toward our Lord, you can imagine this mustered quite a bit of ill will between the church and many kings and leaders of the day. 

But Paul pleads with the church to pray for their leaders.  It didn't matter to him if it was a Christian king, non-Christian king, or even an anti-Christian king.  Some rulers in that day were extremely oppressive to the people, treating them very harshly and unfairly.  Some people may feel that we don't have all the freedoms that we should today, but trust me, we have it made compared to the oppression that was often faced under the rule of some kings. 

This left me questioning, are we praying for our President?  Other world leaders?  Governors?  Members of Congress?  Even local supervisors, mayors, and council members?  Or do we prefer to just complain about them?  Let's try this, for every minute that we plan to spend complaining about our officials and leaders, what if we prayed for them for one minute before doing that.  I wonder if that would change our complaints, or at least give us some compassion as we voice our opinions.

Dear Lord,
Please be with our President, and presidential nominees.  Our country and world are quite possibly in the best of times, and the worst of times.  We have more possessions, luxuries, and services than ever before.  Yet we are also plagued by fear, terror, and worry now in our daily lives.  I pray that would be with those who have the influence, power, and ability to help ease these tensions, and to continue the prosperity that we have had as a nation.  I pray that we have Christian leaders who turn to you when they don't have the answers.

And Father, I pray for our state officials.  I pray they will be good stewards of the resources we have here.  I pray we can see positive attitudes across our state of South Carolina and be an example to the world of Christian love.  As horrible as the Charleston church shooting was a little over a year ago, the absolutely amazing grace shown by those church and family members who lost loved ones was such a powerful testimony to the world.  I pray that more people with that kind of faith decide to step up and be leaders in their homes, businesses, and across our state.

And I pray for our local officials in Union.  We face a unique set of challenges as well as advantages in our small town, but I know people are working to make it a better place.  For us to be so "poor", we sure do find a way to step up when there is a need.  Again I pray for Christian leadership here, and that we will all trust you and rely on you as our lord and savior.  Amen.