Why You Should Pray
Did you know Scripture calls us to pray for our government leaders?
In 1 Timothy 2:1-2a, Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people –for kings and all those in authority…”
Petition simply means to state a need. Intercession denotes that we are praying on behalf of someone else. God wants us to ask him to help others. It’s as if you had a friend who was moving into an apartment and the furniture was too big to lift even with you and her together. So you went and asked your dad, who was much stronger than both of you. He came and was able to move all the furniture for your friend. When we intercede, God hears and God moves.
Scripture calls us to pray and give thanks. When was the last time we gave thanks for one of our government officials?
Giving thanks forces us to stop and identify the good deeds and decisions our leaders have accomplished. Expressing gratitude to God allows us to see the goodness of God in our local and national government. It helps us to remember God rules over human authority and ultimately, he will accomplish his eternal purposes through our government.
July here in Dallas, Texas was filled with tears as our city saw the deadliest single incident for US law enforcement since 9/11. What was meant to be a peaceful protest, ended up being a night of terror as officers were killed and civilians were shot. As I watched the following presidential press conference, I was thankful for how the Dallas police chief and President Obama responded to the tragedy with empathy, truth, and a call for citizens to be part of the solution. But, I don’t always have to agree with these men to thank God for leaders who are rallying people toward reconciliation.
Why should we pray for government authority? Does it make a difference?
First, Paul tells us to pray, “…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…” (1 Timothy 2:2-4).
It’s to our benefit if we pray! When Paul uses “peaceful and quiet” here he isn’t referring to the noise level, but instead, lives free from harm and chaos. I wonder how God uses the prayers for Dallas to withhold harm, to minimize chaos, and to comfort those who are grieving.
Second, Paul says to pray for those in authority because it pleases God our Savior who “wants all people to be saved…” We need to pray for our leaders so that they may know God. Our nation and culture are not eternal, but our president and the presidential candidates –they are men and women that will live forever.
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Today let’s thank God for the good we see in our governing authorities and let’s pray for our current and upcoming leaders. It is to our benefit, for their salvation, and for the pleasure of God that we pray.
Alternative Resource: https://billygraham.org/story/5-ways-you-can-respond-in-times-of-crisis/
