Prayers for Those in High Positions
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. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
In holy baptism, God has made us to be a kingdom of priests. This means that we offer our prayers, like the Old Testament priests, that rise before God as incense and are pleasing to Him. Individual Christians are therefore able to offer petitions to our heavenly Father for all sorts of needs, including those who serve as magistrates at the city, county, state and federal levels. Our corporate prayers can include petitions for beloved members who celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, saints who are bearing infirmities in their bodies, but also petitions for the President and Congress of the United States, the Supreme Court and even that God would deliver other nations from warfare or disaster.
Each individual Christian has the freedom and the responsibility to pray for those placed by God in civil authority. Whether such prayers are welcomed by the civil servants or not, Christians are called that to pray that those in authority serve with honor, integrity and for the common welfare of all. We are free to pray that God would give to us servants who seek to honor and preserve life and religious freedom among us.
It is good for our prayers in corporate worship and individually to include our public servants in addition to the needs of our families and congregations. May our prayers continue to rise before God as sweet smelling incense as we remember our shut-ins and President Biden, our expectant mothers and Governor Parson, those hospitalized and our city and county leaders, our members in the Armed Forces and those who serve in the judiciary. May be fervent in prayer for the Church and for our nation!
Prayer – Almighty God, You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance and every evil course of action. Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people. Support us in defending our liberties and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan