Election Day is less than a week away and my mind has been returning to the second chapter of First Timothy. Paul was instructing Timothy that the church of God should be a house of prayer. Particularly, Paul narrows in on praying for governmental leadership. The Roman Empire was hardly friendly to Christianity and filled with gospel minded men. No matter the result of this upcoming election, we need to pray for those in office. We should pray for our leaders, from our local representation all the way up to the White House. Sometimes we know we should pray, but don’t know how to pray. Thankfully, this isn’t the case here because 1 Timothy 2:1-7 says how to pray for those in authority.
We pray to be able to live quiet, peaceful, godly, and honest lives without persecution or government intrusion. We need to pray that the government would leave us alone and allow us to live Christian lives. To be able to work, and live for God’s glory. To be able to raise our children as Christians in peace. To be good neighbors, in the name of Christ for the glory of Christ. To bless those that curse us and bless those we know and love. To be able to quietly and peaceably, and honestly, live sacrificially for the good of others in our community for the glory of God. To be able to tell that blessed story of our crucified and risen Saviour and openly proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. We should, as Americans, thank God for the freedom of conscience have now and not take it for granted.
We should pray for our leaders because God has placed them in office for His purpose, and we don’t know what that purpose is. I pray because I believe Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s (and President’s) heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” Nothing is too difficult for God – and that includes directing the policies of politicians. Let’s “lobby” to our God and not put our trust in men. We should also pray for the salvation of their souls and that they would come to the knowledge of the truth. Whether we like or dislike those in authority, they are men and women, flesh and blood. They have souls and will stand before a God who is no respecter of persons. May God send revival. This is one reason why Paul told us to pray for them, because God saves all types of people (I Timothy 2:4).
I pray for myself. That my words, thoughts, prayers following the election will be seasoned with love. Love for my neighbor,s love for my Saviour, and love for my fellow citizens. It is so easy to get angry and hasty with our words when it comes to politics. Let’s remember that no matter who is president, as Christians, we are loyal subjects to the King.
