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Petitions, Prayers, Intercession, and Thanksgiving

 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (I Timothy 2:1-2)

 

The election is over. Some would say it’s a minor election, local election but local elections affect what goes on in our daily lives and select the judges who will officiate over most of the court cases in our areas, so there not as unimportant as we might be tempted to think. But whether it was a minor or a major election, it’s over. Do you know who won in your area? Are you happy about who won? The city in which I vote is big enough that it tends to elect candidates I don’t prefer. How do you handle you joy or frustration?

Perhaps because “my” candidate loses so often, my general response after any election is “Well, that’s over. Time to get back to life.” I pay as little attention to politics and politicians as I can, but that’s undoubtedly less than I should.

Some people scream in the streets when their candidate loses. Others get surly, get active, or withdraw. When someone’s candidate wins, it seems as if the voters who put the candidate in office fall asleep politically. After all, their candidate will take care of it. According to Paul, all of these are wrong – or at least less right. Our primary task is to pray for our leaders, whoever they are. If we had lived in Germany during World War II, it would have been out duty as Christians to pray for Hitler. Right now, in America, it’s our duty to pray for Mr. Biden and Mrs. Harris, and all the legislators and judges in office.

But how is one to pray for someone who is – we believe – intent on destroying our city, county, state, nation, or world? Contrary to the opinions shared by some, it’s not to pray that they’ll be removed from office in some way. We aren’t the pray for their death, impeachment, or incapacitation. Instead, we are to pray for them as we would have others pray for us: for their well-being, salvation or sanctification, wisdom, safety, direction, etc. That’s part of loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us.

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