PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority. 1 Timothy 2:1,2
The wall of shame includes the most evil despots in history. There we find likenesses of Mao Tse-tung, Stalin, Hitler, and Nero, whose thirst for power led to the weakening of Rome. Nero was a ruthless dictator. When Rome burned to the ground, Nero blamed the Christians. Soon God’s people were sent into the arena to die or were covered with pitch, lit on fire, and hung on poles throughout the city.
Nero’s timeline intersects with Scripture when Paul stood before him in Rome. Paul was familiar with Nero’s evil ways. How then could Paul write to Timothy, “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 Tim. 2:1,2)?
Intercession for those in authority is not an option. Paul “urges” us to do so. The command is consistent, whether ruled by a deranged despot or simply by those who did not get our vote. Christians realize that neither presidents nor mayors, congress nor school boards are the ultimate authority–God is. Job 12:23 says, “He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them.”
Knowing that God can manage the hearts of rulers, we should be zealous in our prayers, imploring God that they might seek him and listen to him. We should pray that they receive good counsel and make decisions that are humane and honest. We should pray that our children and grandchildren would enjoy peace and well-being in the land. And we should pray that spreading God’s Word will go unhindered.
Satan is powerfully at work in local and world affairs. “The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’ The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the LORD scoffs at them” (Ps. 2:2-4). With our prayers for all those in authority, we ask for God’s blessing for ourselves, our families, and our nation.
Spend a moment today to pray for all those in authority, even those with whom you disagree.
From The Gift of Prayer