Indpendence Day
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)
During the 2024 presidential campaigns, the scads of political signs in our town were clamoring for my attention. Then I saw a few that simply reminded us to pray. I can imagine some prayers running in this fashion, “Dear Lord, please let (insert name of favorite candidate) defeat (insert name of opposing candidate). In Jesus' name. Amen.” Thankfully, our God instructs us how to appropriately pray for any and all including those in charge.
“First of all, then,” Paul tells us, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions,” (1 Timothy 2:1-2a) It's usually easy to pray for family, loved ones, and fellow believers. But, praying for someone across the political aisle or an individual we didn't vote for can be quite a challenge. However, the Lord even gives us the purpose of these prayers in verse two of our passage, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Shouldn't this be the goal of everyone no matter who happens to be in authority? To live peacefully and quietly, pursuing the things of God is a freedom we have enjoyed under every administration of our nation due to the grace of God. Keep praying for it, for God has a purpose in mind.
God doesn't simply want us to enjoy ourselves under a peaceful authority. There is a purpose to praying for peaceful governance in our land. When we live in peace and a godly, dignified manner, God tells us, “This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4) Let us continue to pray for these blessings on our nation and to take the opportunity to bring the truth of Jesus to all.
May He adorn with precious peace
Our own, our native, land
And crown with joys that never cease
The labors of our hand!
The Lutheran Hymnal 581:6