Why We Need to Pray for our Government!

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1 Timothy 2:1-5 "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus."

Over the last several years the public view of our govermental leaders has become very pessimistic. This is true on whatever side you lean to, the left or the right. Most of the news is laced with vitriol toward one's political opponents. There seems to be no voice of moderation, or anyone seeking common ground. As a result I believe our country and we the people have suffered. We have grown more pessimistic about the ability of the government to do anything that will make a difference in our daily lives. 

So what shall we do? Paul urges Timothy to do something we all can and should do. We can pray for our leaders and others in authority over us. What if we spent as much time praying for our leaders as we did criticizing them. Paul tells us not only to pray for them, but to ask God to help them, intercede for them, and give thanks for them. 

Why? Because it shows that we are different than those in the world. And it is to our advantage to have effective leaders because they protect the precious freedoms we often take for granted. God gave authority to our secular rulers to keep peace in society and protect our right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.  

Finally, there is another overarching purpose for praying for our leaders. God wants them to be saved. God desires all people to come to a knowledge of the truth. He has sent his Son to be a mediator for them. Though our leaders can provide peace for us in this life, only one person can provide ultimate peace that will give us everlasting peace. It really doesn't matter what side of the aisle you are on. The only side you need to be on is the one which trusts in Jesus! 

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