Read 1 Timothy 2:1-8

We live in a day where everyone feels like their political opinions need to be heard.  All you need to do is go to any social media platform and let the world know where you stand, who you support or oppose.  There has never been a time like this in my life that our country has been so divided politically.

We have the #notmypresident and #makeamericagreatagain movements.  We have leaders being forced to make difficult decisions on the local and state levels regarding complex issues that no one has had to deal with before.  There is no handbook on how to govern during a pandemic like COVID19.

One thing we need to realize is that, no matter WHICH party or government officials we support, we are called to pray for those in authority.  I Timothy 2:1-2 tells us, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

The apostle Paul  is telling the reader that, regardless of who is in office and regardless of political affiliation, we are to stand in the gap and pray for them.  I know some of you may be thinking, “What? He’s not my president.  This isn’t the mayor I elected.” However, Paul says pray for ALL people in authority.

Several years ago I was challenged by one of our pastors to pray daily for our President.  At the time I had my own political agenda and he was from a party that I did not align myself with.  Nor did I care for how he was running our country. I was challenged to pray for him to lead our nation and pray for his family.  Not simply to pray for God to change his heart to align his political position with what I believe;  but rather to pray for him simply because he is in authority of the nation.

I even wrote him a letter telling him I was praying for him and, to my surprise, I received a 3 page letter in my mailbox from The White House, a 3 page letter from the President of the United States.   My heart was changed as I prayed daily for our nation’s leader.

Paul goes on to tell us in verses 3 and 4 that, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”.  Did you get that?  God is pleased by us praying for our leaders.  It is His desire that ALL may be saved!  Not just Republicans or Democrats- ALL!

We are to do this humbly, unselfishly and peacefully “lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing” (v. 8).   You cannot turn on the TV or pick up a newspaper today without hearing people arguing over who is right or wrong, which party needs to be leading our state or Congress.  We need to peacefully pray for those leading us.

This country needs you! You are needed to stand in the gap, intercede, lift up holy hands for:

• Local and state governing officials and law enforcement
• National leaders, our President and elected officials
• Our military
• And thank God for the blessing to be able to lay down at night in peace, knowing that there are brave men and woman who fight for our freedoms and protect our safety.

Nate Mills