Pray for Those in Authority

Note from today’s Bible reading: 1 Timothy 1-2

In giving Timothy instructions about prayers being offered for “all men” (1 Timothy 2:1), Paul specifically talked about praying for civil rulers: “For kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2).

Why should Christians pray for those in positions of power? We might expect that we should pray for their safety, health, or something along those lines. Yet Paul said that we are to pray for civil authorities “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” In other words, pray for leaders that they will leave us alone and allow us to serve the Lord and carry out our God-given responsibilities without hindrance or harassment.

This is not a selfish prayer. Instead, it is “good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). This is not about what we might prefer; this is the will of God. And the reason why it is God’s will is because He wants “all men to be saved.” When the gospel can be spread freely, more people will have the opportunity to hear it and obey it.

So pray for those in authority. God has given them the responsibility to provide and maintain an environment in which people can be free to seek after God and do His will. Civil leaders do not always do this, but let us pray that they do, and then let us work to help lead others to the truth.