Day 11: Prayer Focus: President and Vice President | 1 Timothy 2:1-4

“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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4)

We think Paul’s teaching on how to handle the authorities is so hard to deal with divided political parties, a divisive political landscape for America, and everyone disagreeing with everyone. But we forget what Paul and the apostles lived under. The Roman Empire was full of wicked Caesars. Emperors like Nero and Domitian actively persecuted Christians.

Nero was said to have used Christians on crosses and let them on fire to light his garden. Domitian terrorized Christian leaders, sending John to live on Patmos for at least a year. That was probably the kindest he ever got toward Christians. Many scholars believe Revelation refers to Domitian in places, and wicked Babylon was the Roman Empire.

In this dangerous environment, Paul tells Christians that God has ordained the leaders we have. There are benefits to not being enemies of the state. We have the great privilege of American civil liberties the First Amendment protects our gatherings and worship. When we suffer persecution, it is usually social or verbal. I feel unworthy when the writer of Hebrews tells us that many of us have not resisted to the point of shedding our blood (Hebrews 12:4).

Sure, we have political differences, even with other Christians. But we are very blessed to live with the freedoms we have. If the apostles could live under such Roman regimes and still pray for their leaders, is it too hard for us to pray for presidents and vice presidents, and other national leadership even though we didn’t vote for them?

Most of all, these leaders need our prayers for wisdom. They handle international relationships, domestic difficulties, and have the hardest jobs in the world. If they were standing in front of us, they wouldn’t resist prayer for them. We have the privilege of interceding for them with prayer. It is the strongest weapon we have to defend these leaders. Do not allow the devil a foothold because of political differences. Lift these national leaders up before the Lord.

Prayer Points

• Wisdom and discernment spiritually and practically
• For their families, protection and provision
• Salvation and ever-increasing closeness to God
• Godly leadership and excellence in representing our country