For All in Authority

Even though someone may have authority over you, you are still responsible to pray for them.

Text for Today – 1 Timothy 2:1-2 – 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; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty

Who is in authority?  There are many more in authority than we often think.  Some we recognize and willingly pray for them.  Some we don’t want to recognize, and find it difficult to pray for them.  However, our Text for Today did NOT say to pray only for those for whom you desired to pray.  The Word says to pray “for all that are in authority.”  That even includes dishonest politicians and authority figures.

It is easy to recognize a president or governor as one of those authority figures for whom we should pray, particularly when they show themselves to be moral and godly men.  But what of those who do not?  Pray for them anyway, especially for them.  But what about those who would be pro-abortion, or pro-gay marriage?  PLEASE pray for them!  God can change them.  Our God has reserved for Himself the privilege of intervening in the lives of our leaders, even when they don’t want it, if the church will pray.

But who are those in authority?  Here is a partial listing that may help in our thinking; president, vice-president, governor, lieutenant governor, federal and state cabinets and executive appointees, federal and state legislators and judges, local government officials, law enforcement at all levels, military at all levels, fire fighters, first responders, educators, employers, supervisors, husbands, wives, parents, pastors, and church leaders.  I’m sure you can expand the list, especially if you become very specific.  But examining this list makes it quite clear how one could pray without ceasing. 

Do you want God involved in every arena of your life?  I’m sure you do.  Then pray for all in authority; “lift up your heads,” (those in authority over you) and “the King of Glory shall come in” to those arenas of life for which you pray.  And our Lord CAN and WILL turn the hearts of leaders toward His will and the blessing of His people and the work of His kingdom.  Debating politics WITH those in authority does not work.  Their minds are generally like concrete; thoroughly mixed and too well set.  Praying FOR those in authority gets you out of the way and opens the way for God to enter in power and majesty. 

Manna for Today –  Proverbs 21:1; Philippians 1:4-11; Psalm 24; Ephesians 1:15-23; 3:14-21; 6:10-18; 2 Corinthians 10:3-6