I’ve encountered many conversations about politics. This one has one opinion and that one has another and both think they are absolutely right. When encountering such situations, I’ve even been so bold to ask, “What has been your prayer strategy for these issues and those in office who govern these matters?” This is usually met with silence or a bewildered look, followed by more feverish rantings of what should or should not be. In this time when we hear about so much unrest around the world, let us turn to the Word of God to see how we are instructed to approach such matters. Imagine what would happen if both sides of a political divide followed Timothy’s instructions:
“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.
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. (I Timothy 2:1-8a).”