July 11,2023

 

Offer Sincere Prayer

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. – 1 Timothy 2:1-2

 

Notice anything special about Paul’s instructions to Timothy? He didn’t mention a political party. He didn’t say anything about only praying for those you agree with. He didn’t even write about using prayer to try and influence political leaders to share your point of view.

 

Wow! Can you imagine a world where Christians actually prayed for God’s will rather than their own? Can you imagine a political climate where respect for those in authority actually showed in our words and actions?

 

I live in a hotbed of conservatism where Christians talk out of both sides of their mouths. Have you heard that cliché before? It fits so perfectly. We condemn the poor and exalt the rich. We judge based on status and bank account rather than the heart. What must God think of us all?

 

The derogatory way some people talk about President Biden is awful. It’s not about agreeing with him or not. It’s about respect for the office that he holds and it’s about genuinely doing what the Bible tells us to do. Pray for him! Really. Pray for God to lead him and that he would have wisdom to follow God’s calling.

 

Someone just muttered something about “earning respect.” That’s not what the Bible says. It doesn’t say only pray for those we respect. It says to pray for our leaders. Period.

 

There’s something that happens when we are truly praying for someone. It’s something that happens in our own hearts. It changes us to not only see the good in others but to actually want good things to happen to them and through them. It might not be politically correct but it is biblically correct.

 

The next time you want to criticize and condemn President Biden or any other elected official, pause and offer a sincere prayer. God will hear and bless them and you.