Joel M Bradshaw

1First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.–1 Timothy 2

We live in a frustrating, divided world. We take in current events and then make a choice. That choice is usually some form of emotional reaction. When the ones in power are not your favorites, you might grumble and get angry at the news. When the ones in power are indeed your favorites, you might grumble and get angry at everyone else.

Our society seems to like it that way. Keeping us divided and angry appears to be its superpower. But 2000 years ago, Paul instructed Timothy in a different way.

In that list of prayers in verse 1 we see supplications. Those are praying for needs for others. Most of the prayer requests pastors find in prayer lists are supplication prayers. Supplications are prayers that God would supply good things to the one prayed for. Intercessions are you directly praying for another. Putting yourself in between and going to war for them. This is what Jesus is doing for Christians even right this moment (Hebrews 7:25). Many of my prayers are thanksgiving prayers. God has provided for me or given me great people to be thankful for. Those are in Paul’s list, too.

The goal of this is to live a quiet life of dignity and peace before God and others. This means you might not write every angry thought on social media. It also means that you don’t turn ever family gathering into a political war. Following these verses is good and pleases God. Isn’t that more important than the other choice?

But what are good things to pray for? The final verse above helps. Pray for salvation, that God would save them. This is anyone’s greatest need. Pray that they would be led by the Bible. That they would be turn from their selfishness and in humility follow Jesus as their Lord. You know, the prayers you should already be praying for yourself!

So picture in your head the politician you dislike the most. The last name might start with an O or with a T. They may be represented by a donkey or an elephant. Now rather than emotionally grumbling, pray. Make that different choice. And no, these are not passive-aggressive prayers that serve those emotions you are not choosing. Pray for the leaders in power. Pray for their good. Pray for them to follow Jesus. Pray for them to trust God. Pray for them to submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Pray that they would give God glory with all that they say and do. This gives you something different to focus on rather than how you feel about this world. So much more encouraging.

Paul wrote this when Nero was Caesar. He was said to have lit Christians on fire and to have used them as torches for his gardens. If Paul could pray for a Nero, you can pray for your least favorite leaders that God has in place leading you. I don’t naturally do any of this that I wrote today. I have a lot to work on. Do you?–JMB