Requests, prayers, Intercession and Thanksgiving … For All Those In Authority

Psalm 113 & 1 Timothy 2.1-7

Our Lectionary places a very challenging Epistle reading before us today.  Paul writes to Timothy pastor of the church in Ephesus, but Paul’s words are needed in the church today as much as ever.  He writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone —for kings and all those in authority …” This is striking in that Caesar Nero was in power as Paul wrote.  Nero was an evil tyrant who fiercely persecuted Christians.  Yet, Christians were to pray for him; even express “thanksgiving” for him.  The call for Christians today is no different, and the exhortation is still needed.  It seems that over the last few decades, a deep, partisan divide has taken hold of our nation.  Recently, expressions of hatred for elected officials have become all too common in the media.  Sadly, there is evidence of the same in the church.  The central question this text forces us to ask ourselves is, “have I been one to offer ‘requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving’ for presidents and all those in authority,' or have I harbored anger, perhaps even hatred, toward them?”  We do well to remember who is the Real  and Eternal King: King (“Christ”) Jesus, our Lord and Savior! He rules over all (Psalm 113).  He desires all men to be saved.  He gave himself as a reason for all men.  This is what should concern us. There’s no need to be vexed by temporal kings and authorities.  Rather, offer requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving for them.  They need it!  And it will lead us to "live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."