When we see violence and corruption on a massive scale from rulers of the world, we can feel as if there is nothing we can do. While most of us are ordinary citizens that do not set policy or make major decisions that dramatically affect world affairs, Christians do have a premier resource of which we should be reminded. When Paul addressed Timothy regarding the church’s focus, he wrote, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Prayer is a tremendous aid for Christians. Christians need to be reminded of prayer in general, but particularly here Paul urges that in addition to prayers for all Christians should pray for kings and those in authority (v. 2). Some people have negative attitudes toward rulers. Many first-century Jews despised paying taxes to Rome, what they considered a heathen power. Some first-century Gentile Christians may have had the mistaken notion that because Jesus was their Lord, they did not need to heed any government. While there are limits to what a government can tell us to do since their authority is delegated by God Who has supreme authority (Acts 5:29), Christians must be reminded of the general principle of a respectful attitude toward those in power (Rom. 13:7; 1 Pet. 2:17).
The bigger picture Christians must understand is that God works in the world and can even have His hand in events associated with the rulers of the world. God put Pharaoh on the throne (Ex. 9:16). Pharaoh did not even acknowledge God (Ex. 5:2); however, God used Pharaoh. God does not take away the free will of world leaders, nor whisper something in their ears. Yet, a king’s heart is in His almighty hand (Prov. 21:1). Nations may never intend to be serving God, yet He can use them as instruments (Isa. 10:5-7). Often only God knows the reasons why He allows certain people to have power (Dan. 4:17, 25).
The reason Christians should pray for kings and those in authority is for peace (1 Tim. 2:2). To live a tranquil and quiet life where we can work, worship, and raise our families without violent attacks is a blessing we must not take for granted. God certainly does not approve of all the actions of world leaders. He has ordained governing authorities to function as a terror and punishment to evil works (Rom. 13:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:14).
While prayer often is a general term for addressing God, some other specific words are used in 1 Timothy 2:1. One aspect of prayer mentioned is giving thanks. Too often today people focus on the negative and get angry when they don’t receive that to which they feel entitled. Think instead of all the blessings for which we should be thankful and glorify God. But prayer involves more than expressing thanks. The request aspect of prayer taps into the powerful resource to bring about change. The word supplications refers to requests or petitions based on a deep sense of need. Intercessions are prayers to the Father on behalf of another. While Christ intercedes for Christians (Heb. 7:25), and the Holy Spirit intercedes for Christians (Rom. 8:26), Christians may also intercede for others. We can go to God in prayer on behalf of a fellow Christian (Eph. 6:19; Col. 4:3; Philem. 22; Jas. 5:16; 1 Jn. 5:16) or non-Christians (Mt. 5:44; Lk. 6:28). Christ is the only mediator that can represent God to man and man to God (1 Tim. 2:5), but all of us as Christians can offer intercessory prayers on behalf of others for good. When the righteous pray, the results are effective (Jas. 5:16). Don’t forget to pray. -Mark Day
