I’m what you might call a news junkie. I watch the news on TV and listen to it on XM radio on my way to and from work. And I don’t listen to the news out of boredom or idle curiosity. No, I listen because I really do want to know what’s going on.
And I follow the news even more closely when it comes to politics during the campaign season. You see, I want to be able to make an informed decision when it comes time to vote. And, I do vote. I vote in every election. And I vote for candidates whether I think they’re going to be a good elected official or not. Maybe I better explain that. After doing my homework, I always vote for the candidate I think will be the best person for the position, but in some cases (and don’t tell me you’ve never done this), I know I’m voting for the “lesser of two evils.” Yes, I sometimes hold my nose with one hand while filling out my ballot with the other.
But sometimes, that’s the only option I have. So I pray. Sometimes, I pray harder than at other times, if you know what I mean. The fact is, we should all be praying for our leaders, whether we voted for them or not. And do you know why? Well, the Bible says we should.
In Romans 13:1, Paul says there are no governing authorities except those established by God. And, listen to this: They get their authority from God (yes, even those who don’t believe in Him). That means every one of our leaders–senators, representatives, governors, the president, etc.–get their authority from God. We should, therefore, pray for them because God is using them for His glory. And, we should pray that they do indeed glorify Him and that they don’t lead us down a path that is in conflict with His Word.
As a matter of fact, Paul tells us how to pray in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 when he says, “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.” So, while we are praying for our leaders, Paul says we are also praying for ourselves. And, it is important to pray for the right thing because how we pray matters.
So, on this Independence Day, as we think about the founding fathers of this great country of ours, remember that the United States of America was established as “one nation under God.” We need to pray that it remains that way. And remember also, that even though we are not a monarchy, when King Solomon said in Proverbs 12:1, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases,” he could just as easily have been talking about our President. And if the President is important enough for God to direct as He pleases, we should be praying that the way he lives his life and the way he leads our country are both pleasing to God.
Thom Fishow
June 27, 2010