praying for leaders



"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV)

"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7 ESV)

In thinking through these verses (and others) it strikes me that we should not engage in prayer which is politically partisan. 

If a person is a leader of our nation, or was a leader in our nation, we should pray that God would heal, protect, and guide them into righteousness. 

This we pray, not only for their own sake, but also for the welfare of our nation. If we pray only for our favored leaders, then we reveal our unbelief in the sovereignty of God and his guiding hand in history. 

We, as believers in the sovereign Lord are not to be party hacks, but rather should pray for "all people, for kings and all who are in high positions..." 

That is, we intercede not for a select few, but for all who are in those positions. 

If a president, or former president, is undergoing ill health or decline, or is under threat of assassination, we should not glory in that, nor delight in anyone's misfortune. We should pray for them, as our Lord said...  

"Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Matthew 5:44-45 ESV)


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