Authority Prayer

by Erin Bird

The past two weeks here in the News & Notes email I've been talking about prayer, and I decided to continue for at least another week on the topic because of something that happened recently.

My wonderful in-laws came to Waverly from Topeka to see my son run his last track meet (he beat his personal record by 20 seconds!), as well as spend Mother's Day (and a few extra days) with us. One evening, as we sat down for supper, I asked my mother-in-law to pray before we enjoyed the meal. As you might expect, she thanked God for the food, as well as pray for some of our family that wasn't with us. But then she began to pray for some other people...

...primarily President Trump.

This made an impact on me, because in the moment, I remembered 1 Timothy 2:1-4, but realized I hadn't been obeying it. Here's what Paul wrote in his letter to his protege, Timothy:

"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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

I don't know about you, but I will often stop to pray for a family member who is sick, or a friend that is looking for work. But I have to admit, I haven't recently prayed for Trump, or for Governor Brandstad as he will be leaving to become the U.S. Ambassador to China, or even for Mayor Infelt or City Administrator James Bronner of Waverly.

Yet, Paul tells us (through his letter to Timothy) to pray for everyone, especially those in positions of authority. To do so is somehow pleasing to God.

So will you join me right now to take a minute or two to pray for those in authority within our country, state, and community?

Pray for:
* wisdom for them
* their safety
* them to follow Jesus

Whether you agree with their politics or not, let us be a people that pray for our leaders, because "this is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."