“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. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”
1 Timothy 2:1-6 KJV
As Christians, living under authority of government that does not value the things of God is frustrating. We want to fight for the things we value and against wickedness. Some of us live in permissive societies that condone and embrace sin, others where even the right to share the gospel is a crime. Regardless of the type of government in authority, Christians are obligated to pray for those in authority.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul challenges the young pastor to lead by example in regards to government. In their time, Rome ruled the Mediterranean region through governors and local councils. Those in authority tried to please Rome by keeping the economy running and quashing rebellion. The new Christian movement posed a threat, so its leaders like Paul were rounded up, imprisoned, and even tortured.
Faced with such opposition other movements may have responded with violence or fallen apart in fear. The early Christians responded altogether differently. As Paul reminded Timothy, Jesus died so that “all men” could be saved. These early followers had their eyes on eternity. They trusted God to settle the score on any injustices they faced.
So they prayed and gave thanks for all men, even those who would oppress them, so they could “lead a quiet and peaceable life all quietness and honesty.” This is tall order in any culture. It takes humility to pray for people we should hate, even those who hate us. The higher calling guided the early Christians.
We pray for those in authority because we trust in the Lord. We have been born again. We understand He has called us to win souls. We pray for them and “all men” because we believe prayer changes things–even our own hearts.