Praying for our leaders – Yesterday marked the inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States of America. The presidential election last year was contentious to say the least, and we live in a country that is deeply divided among many lines. With that said, what is our responsibility as Christians in regards to our leaders? One of the first things the Bible calls us to do, is to pray for our leaders. The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, 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 and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”
So God calls us to pray for all those in authority over us, whether that be in the home, in the church, or in the civil magistrate. In light of this, the follow up question is usually, “but what if I don’t like/agree with those in positions of authority over me?” Paul again, addresses this issue in Romans 13:1, where he writes ““Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Now, it is understood that not everyone will agree with this statement, but if we believe in God then He must be sovereign over all that happens, otherwise He is not all-powerful.
But this too reminds us that God raises up leaders both for blessing, but also discipline, to correct those who have wandered from Him so that they might return to Him as the ultimate authority, who is good in all that He does. This can be difficult for some to accept, but we are reminded in the Old Testament, that it was God who sent His people into exile, yet He would not leave them forever. He promised to save them. Yet, in the exile, He also revealed His purpose for them. Jeremiah 29:7 says “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” There is no authority except that which has been established by God, so whether we voted for them, or whether or not we agree with them, God calls us to pray for them, trusting that He is working out all things according to His own wisdom and plan.
