Praying For People In Power

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.

1 Timothy 2:1

AMERICANS LOVE TO VENT about politics, and these days it’s easier than ever to unload. Talk radio can range from informative and entertaining to bombastic and goading. Politics can also raise your blood pressure as yet another outrageous act by an elected official is revealed or a bad policy is dissected. Some elected officials are actually noble statesmen. Some are ridiculous. Some are criminals who get indicted and sent to prison for corruption. It is perfectly fine and quite biblical to be angry at evil, but today’s passage reminds us to pray for those who are in authority. Even if they are wrong. Even if they are self-serving. Even if you can’t wait to vote them out.

The fact that we get to collectively hire or fire our leaders at the ballot box does not absolve us of the responsibility to intercede for them. Praying for people you don’t like very much is actually a very healthy and biblical thing to do. It is good for them and good for you. A little bit of your own self-righteousness dissipates when you pray for people you don’t like. Just think—wouldn’t it be great if leaders who weren’t Christians found Jesus as a result of your prayers? Pray for that. Pray that they would tell the truth, make the right decisions, take the long view, and put the national interest above self-interest. Venting is a poor substitute for prayer.

BOTTOM LINE

You have a First Amendment right to criticize politicians. But you have a divine call to pray for your leaders.

Moment of Strength: Matthew 22:15-22