First of all I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” vss. 1-2
1 Timothy 2:1-4
The Church was birthed in the Roman Empire, an autocratic and authoritarian regime, with appointed governors and provincial leaders at every level. Periodically for a variety of reasons, including the whims of the emperor, Christians were subject to imprisonment and persecution. As a result, they did their best to fly under the radar. Pastors encouraged their congregations to pray for the well-being of all those in authority. They believed that if there was stability in the civil society the Christians could lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and dignity. Even though our situation is different and our executive and legislative leaders are generally elected, most believers continue to pray for our governmental leaders. But when partisanship dominates the national political conversation, it begins to affect our prayer life too. Some find it difficult to pray for those with radically different political convictions. It really is a test of faith! But as followers of Jesus, we have no choice. We will love our enemies and pray for all of our leaders, no matter how we feel about them. How much easier it is to lead a godly life when we start and end our days with praying rather than hating!
Thought for the Day: Why is praying for politicians so hard?
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