Devotional 9-20-19

Prayers for Rulers
 

 Lectionary Readings:  Jeremiah 8: 18- 9: 1; Psalm 79; 1 Timothy 2: 1-7; Luke 16: 1-13.
“The first thing I want you to do is pray.  Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.  Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply in humble contemplation.  This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.  He wants not only us but EVERYONE saved, you know, everyone to get to know the truth we’ve learned:  that there is one God, and one Mediator between God and us—Jesus, who offered himself in exchange for everyone held captive by sin, to set them all free.” 1 Timothy 2: 1-5. (The Message)

Throughout the years, many authors have provided instruction and guidance on the methods and mechanics of prayer.  Still others have given witness to the saving and sustaining power of prayer. The gospels record Jesus’ instructions on prayer for his disciples and Paul provides instruction in many passages of his letters.  In this letter to the disciple Timothy, Paul urges Timothy to make prayer a priority and to include everyone including rulers in his prayers.  What??? I don’t know about you, but even though I know that praying for our governmental leaders is a good thing, I have a hard time putting them on my priority list.

However, in spite of rampant persecution and abuse of power and authority such as Paul was dealing with in the first century, he commanded Timothy to pray for governmental leaders.  In fact, throughout all the accounts of strife and warfare between countries, the church is always encouraged to pray for those who rule. No stipulations such as “only pray for the good leaders” were tacked on to the command.  Jesus said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:44). Also, Peter said, “Fear God.  Honor the King/Emperor” (1 Peter 2:17).

How can we ignore the commands of Jesus, Peter and Paul???
Will you join me in making it a priority to pray for all rulers and leaders of governments? We may not know specifically what to pray for, but we can pray that God will guide decisions; that God will give directions to all who request it; that God will give each ruler insight, compassion, strength and love in all their dealings.

This passage in 1 Timothy repeats the foundation of Christ’s message:  that God’s grace and mercy are for everyone.  All are to be welcomed at the table and are to be included in the fellowship of believers.  Jesus’ sacrifice was for every person.  All are capable of receiving God in a personal relationship.  As believers, it is our responsibility to pray just as Paul describes “in every way we know and for everyone we know”.  We are not required to be or act perfectly-- we are only commanded to follow as best we can; to live as closely to God as possible; to share the love of Christ with all we meet.

Dear God, we come to you today asking for forgiveness.  We have not always followed your commandments.  In fact, we have been quite derelict at times.  Please help us to follow your teachings more completely and faithfully.  We ask that you be with our rulers and leaders today and every day.  Give them skill and compassion in dealing with their responsibilities and in making decisions.  Give them insight into the lives of those they are governing so that the best solutions and plans can be implemented.   Grant us all peace and the mercy of your love.  AMEN.

Chyrl Budd