Praying for our government

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1 Timothy 2:1-4

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

In this passage, the Apostle Paul is writing to a young pastor, Timothy, and instructing him to make sure that he prayed for all those in governmental authority. This was written to people who were living in a land that was occupied by a foreign invader: Rome. People didn't like the Romans, but Paul did not urge Timothy to engage in civil disobedience. That sort of thing could get you killed. Instead, he instructed him to pray for them and even to give thanks for them.

It is likely that the Romans, a dictatorial government, was the replacement for a series of local dictatorial governments. The Roman government, though harsh, provided order and peace and predictability in ancient times.There was no enlightened form of self-government to long for. There was only the Kingdom of  Heaven to wait for. But until then, they prayed for peace and order.

Today in America, although we are going through a rough patch, we have relatively little to complain about. But that doesn't stop us from complaining and accusing one another of terrible things. Our biggest problem is that we do not trust God. We are fat and spoiled and convinced that we deserve better and are determined to take what we want from one another through our political proxies after a nasty election.

The more I pay attention to what's in the news, the more convinced I am that there is no hope without God. So, I am praying for those who are in authority and for the people who put them there. And I am praying for a revival of  the church and an awakening among the unbelievers. Let us all pray for the Change that comes from Believing.