Every election cycle is crucial. We are bombarded with television ads, mailings, texts, and emails which seek to convince us of the right person to receive our vote. We weigh the issues, the individuals, and their character, and then make decisions. Sometimes the candidate we choose wins; sometimes not. Paul exhorts us to pray for our leaders, those who are in authority. We find it quite easy and desirable to pray for those we like, those we agree with, those who received our vote. But are we so eager to pray for those of the “opposition?” Do we respond to them with disdain, or do we recognize God is accomplishing His sovereign purpose. Paul encouraged us to be diligent in prayer for all people and not be preferential before God’s Holy Throne. First of all, I urge that supplications and 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).
These four words regarding prayer place us in submission before the Lord, anticipating His working. Supplications – praying from a deep sense of need for another; prayers – praying for what we believe to be good according to God’s Word; intercessions – waiting upon the Lord in praying for the will of God to be accomplished; thanksgiving – being thankful for others and having confidence in the goodness of God. We are called to pray for all people, for all who have authority over us. Obviously, we cannot pray for all those of the world. The point is that we do not neglect to pray for people because of our personal preferences or desires; that we recognize who the Lord has placed in authority over us and often bring them often before His Throne. The goal: that we might lead a peaceful and quiet life. We are not responsible for the responses of others at the end of an election; we are responsible for ourselves. May we, therefore, pray for our leaders, for them to live and lead in harmony with the Word of God, as we trust our Lord to accomplish His good purpose, according to His sovereign design, and for His glory.
Having the privilege of prayer – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
