The Need for Prayer

“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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:1-4 NIV)

We have heard for years how polarized America is becoming and, for many, this was borne out by the election of Donald Trump last week.  To many, this is one of history’s greatest catastrophes; too others it is an act of God.  From either perspective, or one that is leaning in one direction or the other, I sense there is little understanding of this counsel Paul is giving Timothy.

I can imagine the vitriol one would receive on social media if it were suggested we pray for President-elect Trump.  “No!” I imagine the response, “his election is illegitimate and we need to oppose him at every turn!”  I can also easily imagine the same if it were suggested to pray earnestly for those protesting in the streets, those calling Trump supporters racists, bigots, and xenophobes, and those who sincerely believe half the country has lost its mind.  “They should stop whining, shut up, and go home.  They lost!”

The context of Paul’s counsel is crucial.  Followers of Jesus were being routinely persecuted. They were distrusted, considered extreme and even delusional, and were outcasts in Roman society.  And at the highest levels of the Roman Empire, they were viewed as enemies of Roman rule.  Yet, Paul urges believers to pray for those who are their accusers and persecutors.  

I wonder how many believers on either side of the presidential election are committing themselves to diligent prayer for those on the other side?  If you voted for Trump, are you praying in earnest for those who may consider you any number of things that are far from flattering?  If you view Trump’s election as a horrid thing, are you praying in earnest for those who see it differently?  Honestly, I doubt it.  And the reason is it is just too easy to dig ourselves in and reinforce our own self-righteousness.  Our enemies serve as our justification for just how right we are, so we spend our energy promoting that because it serves our self-interest.  

However, loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us demands a humility that is hard for us to swallow. For it is in the face of our enemies that our self-righteousness most strongly rears its ugly head.  Because we see ourselves being right compared to our enemies, we tend to forget our own fallenness.  Jesus and Paul, through their teachings, call us back to reality.  God loves everyone and Jesus gave His life for everyone, not just the good people.  Thus, we are called to love our enemies because God loves them, and praying for them is an expression of love.  

Today, regardless of your view of the our President-elect and the people who are for or against him, recognize as a follower of Jesus you are called to be praying earnestly for those you may consider your enemies. The truth is, He loves them just as much as He loves you.  And just maybe, your prayers and those of others will have a calming effect on our nation as a whole.

© Jim Musser 2016