“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for
all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority…” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NKJV) What comes into your mind when you asked to pray for your leaders? Some of us are only willing to pray for those leaders we love who working to our advantage. We are also likely, willing to pray for those leaders we know belong to the same faith with us. But what about those who are not in the same faith with us? What about those we think are wicked rulers and trample on our human rights? If we would pray at all, we pray that those wicked leaders should fail or die. But as Christians, we are not to pray for only those leaders we love. In our reading today, Paul is commanding Timothy to lead the Church to pray for their Roman Emperors who were persecuting them. Paul in many times was a victim of Roman persecution. He was thrown into jail often by the Roman soldiers but in spite of all these, he commands the Church to pray for their rulers. Why? “(So) that we may live peacefully and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (v.2). Whether we judge our rulers to be good or bad, we are admonished to pray for them because Romans 13:1 tells us that, “For there is no authority except that which God has established.” When was the last time you prayed for your Pastor, Synod Clerk, Moderator or the President of your country? Meditation and Prayers: Help me to pray for those who lead us whether good or bad. Further Reading: Hebrews. 13:7-8, 17; Romans 13:1-5
Key Lessons: When we pray for our leaders we pray for
our own peace.