“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.”
~~1 Timothy 2:1-4~~

God is sovereign. That’s why Paul encouraged Timothy and other believers to pray for their government leaders.  Notice that there’s no disclaimer in regards to the character of those in high positions.  He is just urging Timothy to pray.  Pray…for the same officials who were often persecuting Christians!

Paul knew God could and would respond to His people’s prayers. God rules over earthly rulers, whether they realize it or not.  No appointed or elected official is beyond being used to accomplish God’s purpose, nor can they thwart God’s plans.

In praying for government leaders, the church is doing more than being kind; they are acknowledging God as the ultimate source of authority.  God, who rules over all, can work through anyone or anything to bring about situations where His kingdom will be advanced and His purposes will be fulfilled.

What was true when Paul wrote to Timothy is still true for us today. Every ruler has received the authority they hold from God, the ones we like and the ones we don’t. We pray for our leaders because we trust that God is working to create the conditions that will best fulfill His purpose.  

“Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, 
lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute”.
~~1 Timothy 2:5-6~~  

Having as our focus on the fact that we have peace with God through Jesus, and knowing that God is completely Sovereign, with nothing escaping His notice, we should be encouraged to lift our hands in prayer for our leaders and our world  “The earth is the Lord’s, and all that it contains, the world, and those who live in it”, (Psalm 24:1).  When we pray and worship, we acknowledge that truth.   

I know that this is a different way of viewing the situation in our world, but that’s exactly what God wants.  Having a pure heart, full of love (even for the unlovely) is what sets Jesus’ followers apart from the world.  Our actions and reactions to current events are to reflect Jesus to a world who doesn’t know Him. 

Pause to ponder these questions.  What do your reactions to current events tell people about your Jesus?  Can your actions and reactions be described as peaceful and quiet, godly and dignified in every way?  

We live in a world that desperately needs Jesus.  His believers are the light He has left to shine in this dark world, that’s why God tells us to pray for all people in positions of authority.  With our prayers, coupled with our choice to “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”, we can make Jesus visible to a very dark world.  After all, it’s not those in positions of authority that are really in control, we know that it is God who is really “running the show”.