1 Timothy 2:1-2:
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. “
Dear Father, we are instructed in your Word that “entreaties” be made on behalf of all those in authority. We are encouraged to plead, beg, beseech, and even cry out to you, Lord, on behalf of all men and women in positions of authority in our government. From the very top of government to the very lowest of positions, each one has been placed in a unique office for Your purposes. Whether we like what they do or agree or disagree with their actions, we are still urged to plead on their behalf, “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” We have failed to do what you have urged us to do. Therefore, we have not experienced tranquil and quiet lives. Violence, terrorism, divisions, riots and all manner of strife have beset our towns, cities and nation. We have fought wars in hopes of restoring peace to our land. Who knows what our country would be like if we had obeyed You, Lord, and spent more time on our knees rather than complaining about our leaders? Forgive us, merciful God. Forgive our sin of omission, our passive attitude, our ignorance of your Word. We ask for a fresh start today, and pray according to the verses in 1 Timothy, in Jesus’ gracious name. Amen.
“It was for the love of the truths of this great Book, the Bible, that our fathers abandoned their native shores for the wilderness. . . the same truths sustained them in their resolutions to become a free nation; and guided by the wisdom of this Book, they founded a government under which we have grown from three millions. . . and from being but a stock on the borders of this continent we have spread from the Atlantic to the Pacific.” “The Bible. . . is indispensable to the safety and permanence of our institutions.” ~ President Zachary Taylor
~ painting by Lauren Marcott
