Regarding Governing Authorities

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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people… Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. (1 Timothy 2:1-8) 

When I find myself frustrated with our country’s political process, I try to remember that the earliest Christians were a minority group, without a voice, in an empire ruled by tyrants. Yet they urged one another to cry out to the sovereign God on behalf of those in authority. Their priority was not that the government should serve their interests, but that they be allowed to serve God through live peaceful lives, the pursuit of godliness, and participation in God’s ongoing mission to reconcile all people through Christ. How much more ought we, who have the privilege of participating in a representative democracy, lift up our hands in prayer for those in authority, those seeking office, and our own participation in the political process.

“Heavenly Father—thank You for the freedoms and privileges we enjoy as citizens. Guide those who seek and those holding government offices, that we may live peaceful lives, pursue godliness, and freely participate in Your mission to save the world, through Jesus, amen.”