A Presidential Command

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity."

(1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Christians are called to pray. It's one of the marks by which we're known. And most of us do, on a regular basis. We pray for our family, our friends, ourselves... even, at times, the world.

Paul, in his letter to Timothy, reminds him to take his prayer life one step further. To lift up "kings and all whoa re in high positions." Though it's nothing new to pray for our leaders, we are at an unprecedented time here in our nation, where the political divide may never have been greater. Many are worried, upset, and disappointed at how the new Administration is beginning to lead this country. Others feel exactly the opposite. One of the founding tenants of the United States is the right to free speech. So there have been lots of "speech" in reaction to President Trump (both encouraging and critical).

This passage from 1 Timothy 2, however, reminds me that I need to be praying for the President. Regularly. Honestly, I think I can count on my right hand how often I've actually prayed for him since the November elections (and once it was during worship). SO I have room to grow here. I may not agree with certain policies, appointments, or executive orders... but I still need to be praying for our country's leadership (President, Vice President, Congress, Judges, etc.).

How about you?