Weekly devotional: Prayer and authority (3 in Paul’s letters to Timothy series)

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – 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 people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people (1 Timothy 2:1–6).

In September 2015, Queen Elizabeth II surpassed Queen Victoria to be the longest reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. As an American who is now also her subject, I’ve harbored mixed feelings and views about the monarchy over the years. But I am humbled by the Queen, who has served her country tirelessly as part of her duty and calling. It’s an hono(u)r to pray for her and her reign.

We might feel jolted by Paul’s command to Timothy to pray for rulers and kings, coming so soon in this letter of instructions for Timothy. But Paul yearns that the gospel would be proclaimed and accepted, and he knows that a just and ordered society will better foster its message as one that people can hear and heed than when they dwell in a culture of corruption. Note too the various ways Paul wants the church to pray – through petition, prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving – for he knows that God hears our prayers.

We might find it difficult to pray for our rulers, especially if we find their policies differing from what we hold to. But prayer is something constructive that we can engage with, as we ask God to help shape our societies to be places where people can thrive in freedom and faith. Perhaps you could join with others from your neighborhood or church, once a month or once a term, to pray for your local and national leaders. We trust that God hears us, and responds.

Prayer: Lord God, you are the ultimate Ruler, just and fair. We give you thanks for those in authority over us, praying that they would embody values of wisdom, justice and mercy.