Prayer and Politics

 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 

Fiddler on the Roof began its Broadway run in 1964. The musical has found vast public appeal, winning many awards across the years, and revivals of it are still found in the United States and United Kingdom. The story of Tevye and his daughters takes place in imperial Russia around 1905 when outside influences are beginning to encroach upon their Jewish village. Tevye, who tries to maintain his rituals and traditions, is forced to stand against the cruel and often brutal regime of the Russian czar. In one scene, the village rabbi pronounces a blessing upon the czar: “May the Lord bless and keep the czar… far away from us.” 

Americans are blessed to live free from that type of political oppression. Americans have the right to vote for leaders at every level of government. Yet many want politics to stay away from their door, and many Christians don’t even want to pray for those in authority. In today’s verse, Paul urges prayers for those in political positions—for the men and women as individuals, apart from their policies. Pray for those in office to govern so that the country’s citizens can live quiet and holy lives in peace and dignity. And, he says, make such prayers a priority. Rest your total dependence on the Holy Spirit to guide you into what to pray for them. 

Theologian Warren Wiersbe says, “’All men’ makes it clear that no person on earth is outside the influence of believing prayer.“ Pastor and commentary author David Guzik says, “We should pray for those who annoy us, and for those who seem to be against us. Each of these fall into the category of all men. To pray for all men also means to pray evangelistically. We should pray for our friends who need to know Jesus, for our coworkers, and for others we have regular contact with. To pray for all men also means to pray for your pastors, to pray for your church, and to pray for other ministries you know and love.” Pastor Steven Cole summed it up this way: “Prayer is not a nicety, but a necessity. God is sovereign, yet His sovereign plan includes the prayers of His people.” Include politicians in your daily prayer list. Pray for the coming election, but also do your part because your freedom depends on it—register, know the issues, and vote.