Pray for our elected leaders
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Editor,
Christians have an obligation, as stated in scripture, to pray for those who hold political office. It is a biblical command that we are to obey. Read it for yourself, First Timothy 2:1-2, the Apostle Paul wrote it to Timothy, a young pastor, “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. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” In Timothy’s day, Nero was Emperor of Rome. Christians were being fed to lions and others were impaled for public display or beheaded (as Paul was) because they were Christians.
Our president recently asked Americans to pray for him. Newly elected members to the Senate and to Congress, governors, county and city officials, all need our prayers. Citizens are demanding the end to gridlock.
These are perplexing, perilous times of greed, pride, sexual wickedness, kidnappings, rapes, murders (gangs and clinics), ISIS, ebola, family abuse (NFL, etc.), poverty, homelessness, healthcare, among other things. All these issues need the prayers of godly people.
Why are we commanded to pray for elected leaders? First of all, “so we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” Secondly, “this is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth; for there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus,” according to 1st Timothy 2:3-4. God desires all sinners to be saved (forgiven and transformed).
Our prayers should include asking the Lord to bring all elected officials into a personal relationship to Jesus Christ. Godly people have a decided advantage in providing good leadership; the Spirit of God indwells them (1st Corinthians 6:19), guides them (John 14:26) and gives them godly wisdom (James 1:5-8).
Better government, a more peaceful society will happen as citizens pray for their elected leaders.
Harvey A. Town
Polson
