First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.
This is good, and it pleases God our Savior… (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
How often do we pray for our political leaders? That’s what Paul calls us to do. What’s more, he says it is pleasing in God’s sight when we do so.
Note two things.
Paul doesn’t merely say, “Pray about our leaders.”
Nor does he say, “Complain about and curse our leaders in your prayers.”
He says “Pray for them.”
If your leaders are godly and you like them, that’s easy to do.
If they aren’t and you don’t, it’s a lot more difficult.
The interesting thing is this, and it’s my second point:
Paul wrote this when Nero was Caesar. And whatever you think of Trump or Biden, Nero was a million times worse than either of them. If you doubt me, just look at the history books.
And yet, Paul said, “Pray for him.”
How do we pray for ungodly leaders?
- Pray for their salvation. For God “wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (4)
- Pray for wisdom in leading the country. They are mere people. Their position does not suddenly endow them with perfect wisdom in dealing with Covid or the myriad problems our country faces.
- Pray for courage to do what is right. That is especially hard when the direction of their party is going against them.
- Pray for God’s restraint. At some point, God will take off all restraints on people’s evil, and then judgment will come. Pray that God in his grace and mercy keeps the restraints in place for as long as possible. (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, Romans 1:24-32)
Finally, a word: “More praying. Less arguing.”
As James said, “People’s anger does not lead to the righteous life God wants us to live.” (James 1:20)
It takes away from our witness when we’re hostile to unbelievers. And when we’re fighting with each other, we lose sight of what God is calling us to do in this world: to bring his salvation to people who are lost and dying.
So let us put aside all our anger and arguments, and lift up holy hands together, praying for and working for the salvation of our nation. (8)
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 