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.  I Timothy 2:1, 2

Today is primary election day here in Pennsylvania. I find Paul’s advice to Timothy very interesting.  In those days popular voting was not known.  So, how could believers influence the affairs of nations?  By praying!!  I fear that not many people in our state today are praying for the opposite party. If they are praying at all it is that their party will receive the most votes.

Paul takes party politics right out of the picture.  I hear him say, loud and clear, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”  Good.  But how do you pray for Rome, the ruling empire at the time?  Paul does not go into that – he just says, “Pray.”

The object of the Christian prayer is not for Rome, but for peace and contentment in the lives of all people.  The prayer is ultimately for the welfare of the believers to live godly and holy lives.  Paul thus reminds us that empires come and go, but the rule of Christ will span all generations and all nations and tribes. That provides the scope for the prayers of the followers of the Lamb.  A prayer for our governments is good but prayer for the universal reign of Christ over all power is the highest purpose.

Like most everyone else in my neighborhood I hear the clamor of politics, promises that you know cannot be fulfilled.  Would that that energy could be channeled into ways of godliness and holiness.

I recall a statement of Mark Twain that went something like this – “Politics is a promising profession, not a performing art!”  Politics does have its limitations.

So, today and always, my prayer is that believers in Jesus will be free to live godly and holy lives.  That begins with me.

I am not suggesting that we believers withdraw from the political ebb and flow around us but that we set our eyes on that which is eternal.