A Prayer I Haven’t Been Praying
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
Lord Jesus, I begin this prayer having to repent for flat-out disregarding this clear admonition from the Scriptures. Ever since our sitting president was inaugurated I’ve found it far easier to scorecard and scorn the man than to pray for him and his family. I praise you that I’m a citizen of a country that allows for protest and dissent, but my heavenly citizenship calls for a very careful stewardship of all such freedoms.
Lord Jesus, I begin this prayer having to repent for flat-out disregarding this clear admonition from the Scriptures. Ever since our sitting president was inaugurated I’ve found it far easier to scorecard and scorn the man than to pray for him and his family. I praise you that I’m a citizen of a country that allows for protest and dissent, but my heavenly citizenship calls for a very careful stewardship of all such freedoms.
My cynicism and disobedience are somewhat arrested when I realize that the madman Nero was probably the sitting “king” in Rome when Paul urged believers to pray for “kings and those in authority.” Forgive me Father, not only for my prayerlessness, but also for my unbelief. Help me and my friends to be redemptive participants in the culture, not drive-by assailants nor passive gnostics.
There’s no panic or pause in heaven. Let me hear your laughter, Father, as the truly enthroned one. Give me a clearer vision of your Son, Jesus-already installed as your appointed King over all things, destined to inherit the nations and the ends of the earth (Psalm 2:4-9). Indeed, Lord, let me see that many colors decorate the chambers of your “throne room”, not just red, white and blue.
There’s only one unshakable eternal kingdom, Father… yours! And indeed, Lord Jesus, in your person and work, the kingdom has come and the kingdom is coming! So as those called to a peaceful and quite life, we do lift our president up in prayer, and all those in authority. Holy Spirit, throughout this day, and in the coming days, generate requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving in our hearts in keeping with the great truths and resources of the gospel. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
