Inauguration
The inauguration of President Barack Obama should serve as a reminder to us as Christians to pray for him and all the leaders of our nation, state and city. In I Timothy 2:1-2 Paul says to us, ?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.”
Praying for our leaders should be a top priority for us all the time. If you are not in the habit of praying for those in authority, this would be a good time to form that habit. Even if you voted for someone else and vehemently disagree with the policies of our new President and his administration, God expects you to pray for him. After all Paul was urging Christians to pray for kings and those in authority which for his readers meant praying for Nero, who was persecuting Christians.
We do not earn God ?s blessings because we pray for our leaders, but we do increase the probability that our leaders will do the right thing for those under their authority. If any United States President, Michigan Governor, County Executive or Mayor ever needed prayer, the one serving during these difficult days certainly does. With the economy already in shambles, dire warnings about the future coming from every direction, war on terror and Israel at war, our new President certainly has his hands full. He definitely needs God ?s help and strength.
How should we pray for those in authority? Here are some suggestions:
- Pray that those in authority will be humble. Jesus, the Son of God, emptied Himself and became a servant. Please pray that all the authority figures in government today will be humble enough to see themselves as servants and be sensitive to God ?s guidance and will!
- Pray that those in authority will be wise. That means being led by truth not self interest or the pressure of special interest groups. Being wise requires discernment to act with justice for all. Please pray that all the authority figures in government today will be wise!
- Pray that those in authority will be courageous. They face a mountain of fears made up of security threats, environmental problems, an economic nightmare, moral meltdown and corruption within government itself. These are difficult days which require leaders with the strength that comes from Godly conviction. Please pray that all the authority figures in government today will be courageous!
I am going to put this article in my Bible to remind me to pray in this way for our new leaders. Please join me in praying daily for President Obama and all of our leaders in this great country.
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