“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). A Christian should be in the regular practice of prayer and a mindset which is ready to do so at a moment’s notice. We all have times in which we enjoy praying privately to the Father. We pray collectively in our assemblies. About what are we praying? Whether we are confiding alone with God or publicly speaking on behalf of the congregation what are we saying? For whom are we praying? Our weekly bulletin (and others) has a list of those who are in need of our prayers. Those on the list are those who are sick, dying, those who have passed on, or someone we pray will obey the gospel. These are individuals we love and, therefore, it is easy for us to pray for them. While God does want us to pray for them, there are those for whom it is harder to pray. We must understand that God does not want us to just pray for those we love but also those we may not like. Christ stated “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” (Matthew 5:46-47). That being said, I would like to turn your attention to two groups who have been added to our prayer list. While it may be hard to pray for these at times, our love must go to these as well.
Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and other members of our government.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Do we pray for our government? Paul told Timothy that he should pray for “kings, and for all that in authority.” That would mean we are to pray for government from top to bottom. We are to pray for President Obama, the Speaker of the House, Governor, House, Congress, Senate, Supreme Court, Mayor, Sheriff, and any other who is in a position of power in our government. Sadly, some Christians will look at our current government system and have the mindset which says, “I will NEVER pray for these people.” These should do a study of the man in power when Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. I would encourage all to read “The Twelve Caesars” by Suetonius. It is here we find out a lot concerning the life of one known as Nero, the Caesar in power at this time. In this book, one would read that Nero was an especially cruel individual. It is said that as a child, Nero’s tutor had a dream that Nero was really a former Caesar named Caligula in a different body. It should be noted that Caligula was a vicious tyrant and Nero turned out to be no different. At night, he would disguise himself and attack innocents, killing those fought back. He was a pedophile, committed incest, murders, and many other horrific crimes. Paul, Timothy, and other Christians could pray for Nero and many cannot pray for a President who has not committed the heinous evils of Nero? We may not like our leaders but we are to pray for them. Pray that they make the right decisions in that which they do. Pray that these will stand for that which is right and true. Pray that these have the opportunity to obey the gospel. Imagine the good which could be done if Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and others were true Christians. Pray for these.
Those who despitefully use us.
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). There is a difference between liking our enemies and loving them. While we are not commanded to like those who true us poorly, we are to show them love. This love does good to all, even those who are evil. This prayer consists of that which is best for their well being. A Christian does not hope that God enacts evil for evil. Furthermore, it is impossible to hate someone for whom you are praying and these prayers can help our dispositions toward those who do wrong. For what do we pray? Well, we know the final destination of those who commit such evil actions. Why not pray that this person gets a chance to understand the gospel and obey it? It would also help to present the truth to this person. Prayers for their will being when sick or when they face problems would also serve well. Notice the prayers of Moses’ plea to God for his sister AFTER she had spoken against Moses (Numbers 12:13). One can even note Christ’s prayer for those who nailed Him to the cross (Luke 23:34).
Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and other members of our government.
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4). Do we pray for our government? Paul told Timothy that he should pray for “kings, and for all that in authority.” That would mean we are to pray for government from top to bottom. We are to pray for President Obama, the Speaker of the House, Governor, House, Congress, Senate, Supreme Court, Mayor, Sheriff, and any other who is in a position of power in our government. Sadly, some Christians will look at our current government system and have the mindset which says, “I will NEVER pray for these people.” These should do a study of the man in power when Paul wrote this letter to Timothy. I would encourage all to read “The Twelve Caesars” by Suetonius. It is here we find out a lot concerning the life of one known as Nero, the Caesar in power at this time. In this book, one would read that Nero was an especially cruel individual. It is said that as a child, Nero’s tutor had a dream that Nero was really a former Caesar named Caligula in a different body. It should be noted that Caligula was a vicious tyrant and Nero turned out to be no different. At night, he would disguise himself and attack innocents, killing those fought back. He was a pedophile, committed incest, murders, and many other horrific crimes. Paul, Timothy, and other Christians could pray for Nero and many cannot pray for a President who has not committed the heinous evils of Nero? We may not like our leaders but we are to pray for them. Pray that they make the right decisions in that which they do. Pray that these will stand for that which is right and true. Pray that these have the opportunity to obey the gospel. Imagine the good which could be done if Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and others were true Christians. Pray for these.
Those who despitefully use us.
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44). There is a difference between liking our enemies and loving them. While we are not commanded to like those who true us poorly, we are to show them love. This love does good to all, even those who are evil. This prayer consists of that which is best for their well being. A Christian does not hope that God enacts evil for evil. Furthermore, it is impossible to hate someone for whom you are praying and these prayers can help our dispositions toward those who do wrong. For what do we pray? Well, we know the final destination of those who commit such evil actions. Why not pray that this person gets a chance to understand the gospel and obey it? It would also help to present the truth to this person. Prayers for their will being when sick or when they face problems would also serve well. Notice the prayers of Moses’ plea to God for his sister AFTER she had spoken against Moses (Numbers 12:13). One can even note Christ’s prayer for those who nailed Him to the cross (Luke 23:34).
Good article, brother. I appreciate the reminder. I needed it.
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