Midweek Encouragement - “Are You Praying for President Biden?”

“Are You Praying for President Biden?”

        ^{Before you go any further, let me first confess that I’ve been seeing President Biden as a source of entertainment, rather than the leader of the free world. I’ve come to the realization that Scripture calls me and each believer to pray for him, not make fun of him. God’s Word puts a huge emphasis on authority and organized religion as an irrevocable part of God’s plan for the world. We’re commanded in Scripture to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2) and I think it’s time we take this command seriously, especially in this election year.}

         ^{Paul wrote, “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.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Part of what we, God’s people, should do when we gather for worship is pray. Sometimes that means praying for those in leadership positions. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 teaches us to pray for those in authority, not only for pastors and ministry leaders, but for all Christians.}

         ^{First, Paul said to pray for “kings.” The use of the word “kings” can literally mean kings, but also applies to those with}

^{governing authority in any area. This principle applies to prime ministers, governors, and, yes, even President Biden.}

         ^{Second, Paul used the expression “all who are in high positions.” We should pray for those who hold high-level leadership positions. You may not particularly like your president, governor, or township supervisors, but notice that Paul didn’t say, “pray for those in authority if you like them” or “only pray for those in authority if they’re Christians” or “only pray for your leaders if you agree with them.” No, whether you agree with their views or not, God’s people are called to pray for those who hold distinguished leadership positions. Even parents, pastors, and managers who hold authoritative positions deserve our prayers. If we spent more time praying for our leaders and less time critiquing them, maybe we’d find fewer things to gripe about.}

         ^{Are you praying for President Biden in worship on Sunday mornings? The pastoral prayer is one of the most important parts of Sunday worship and is a great time to practice praying for those in authority. Why pray for President Biden and other leaders in worship? It demonstrates to guests that your church is about more than just your church. By praying for less-than-ideal leaders, you demonstrate that, while you may not agree with their behavior, you can still treat them as people created in the image of God. You demonstrate that fallen leaders also need our prayers, and you practice Jesus’s admonition to pray for your enemies. Praying for other pastors and churches in your area encourages a spirit of unity in your community and shows that you want to build not only your church but God’s Kingdom in your area. Praying for other churches also helps fight against jealousy and envy.}

         ^{But what should you pray for those in authority? Three quick things come to my little mind. Pray for their health. Our President is not a young man. I’m sure he’s dealing with the effects of older age. Pray that he stays healthy until the new president takes over in January of 2025. Pray for God to give him wisdom and discernment. Pray that he’ll have success in things that honor God and failure in things that don’t.}

         ^{It’s always a blessing to pray for leaders because you’ll reap the results of their God-given help. In this election year, let’s be intentional in praying for those in authority.}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.