“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
It is worthy to note that among God’s directives to the church gathered first is prayer. “First of all . . .” Perhaps he might have said, “Above everything else, when you come together . . . pray”, for you see, it is the same instruction.
The part which follows tells who the church is to pray for . . . “for all men.” Now, this wonderfully aligns with the words of Jesus in Matthew 21:13 where He quotes Isaiah 56:7, “Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”
Paul’s instructions become more specific in the church’s praying as he continues . . . “for kings, and for all in authority.” This will include Presidents, Senators, Congressmen, Judges, Governors, Mayor, etc. He then includes our reason, purpose, and our motivation for praying for these persons of authority . . . “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Beloved, does this not sound like what our forefathers may have had in mind when they pinned the American Constitution?
Then with the words that follow we are assured that it is within God’s will that we might enjoy a good and godly government . . . “for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.” And, the ultimate reason is that our Father desires “all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.”
Our problem, based on my years of experience working with churches, is most professing believers never give serious thought to the doctrine/discipline of prayer . . . much less the idea of praying for the government. Church, come alive! Make a difference! Pray!
