Yes, Them Too

1 Timothy 2:2 - Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

Now that the elections are over and the votes tallied, we have people in power that need our prayers.  Regardless of how we feel about anyone's politics, we should still be praying for them.  Actually, I would suggest that especially if we don't agree with their politics, we should be praying for them.

But why?  Why should we be praying for the one's who were victorious despite our objections or the votes cast against them?

Paul gives us a great reason that we all should take notice of.  He says, "This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3-4).  Peter also echoed part of this when he said that God wanted that no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9).

Well I didn't vote for them, so I don't have to listen to them.  And I didn't vote for them, so I don't have to recognize their authority.  Try taking that one to court when you refuse to pay your taxes, and see how far it gets you.  More importantly, try taking that one to God.  Paul also told us, "Everyone must submit to governing authorities.  For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God" (Romans 13:1).

It's difficult to pray for those we don't agree with, let alone those we don't like.  But I do believe that Paul included the word everyone in that verse from Romans, and those words wouldn't be in the Bible unless God wanted them there.

Some people treat politics as a battle.  I'm sure we've heard the term "battleground states" when discussing how important votes of a certain state are in swinging elections one way or the other.  So looking at it from that point of view, people treat those of differing political views and opinions as their enemies.  Understandable.  A little extreme, but I can understand the thinking.  I guess that means since they are our enemies, we don't have to pray for them right?  I mean after all, when they get in power, they are just going to make life harder for us since we're enemies, right?  Not so fast.

Jesus was pretty clear in His Sermon on the Mount that we should love our enemies and pray for those that persecute us (Matthew 5:44).  This would also qualify as the everyone that Paul talked about in Romans 13.

So instead of spending the next few weeks (or even 2 years until the next election) complaining and moaning about who won or lost, or where the country may be headed now, how about we do something radical and make a commitment to pray for those who are in charge of our nation instead?  I'm no Theology scholar, but I'm pretty sure that praying is much productive than complaining.  Sure, we can complain a bit to God in our prayers if we want to get it off our chest.  He doesn't mind.  But let's pray for those that are going to be deciding the direction of our country for the next couple of years.  Pray that they will seek God's guidance for their decisions.  Pray they will surprise us, and follow God's calling on them instead of the calling of the special interest groups that funded their campaigns (sorry, had to get that one in there).

God doesn't mind a little griping from us, as long as we also remember to follow His instructions and pray for those who need it regardless of their political affiliation.  Yes...even them too...

Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up those who are in authority in government to You, Lord, and ask for Your guiding hand over them as they prepare to take on the great responsibility they have been given.  I pray that they will hear Your call on them in their heart, and be obedient to You.  I pray for the wisdom and discernment they need to make the right decisions for all those who are affected by them.  I pray that we all, as a nation, will come together and pray for our new and re-elected leaders regardless of whether or not we agree with them Father.  I know that this may seem like a lofty prayer Lord, but I truly believe that all things are possible with You, and You are more than capable of uniting everyone under Your banner.  In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.  Amen!



God Bless!!!