LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Tuesday 8th February 2022
PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 1 Timothy 2:1–2
A vital aspect of this prayer for the church’s mission is prayer for the state. Paul’s passionate appeal for supplications, prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving is narrowed down to also include everyone in civil or governmental authority.
The scriptures encourage the church to respect state rulers and to submit to the institutions of the state. We must fulfill our legitimate obligations to the state such as paying taxes, and honouring the rule of law.
Why does Paul make this appeal?
1. God works with civil authorities. There is the tendency for Christians to not pray for their civil leaders, especially when these leaders are openly hostile. But Paul admonishes Christians on the important fact that whether these civil leaders are perverted or not, they must be the subject of our prayer.
2. The intercession of believers can provide the needed spiritual impetus for a civil leader to rule peaceably. Paul’s words imply that Christians must pray that their leaders will have the knowledge needed to guide them in their duties.
3. Prayer can help steer rulers to provide sound, solid leadership to accomplish godly goals. Christians must not only pray for the conversion of their leaders, but also for the quality of their governance. The prayers include thanksgiving for those decisions that facilitate the spread of Christianity and requests for wisdom in making important decisions.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the leaders of our world. Use them to work out your purposes on earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen!