Here, Paul is advising the community of faith to pray for their leaders. Notice that he doesn’t say to pray only for the leaders they like. He doesn’t suggest that prayers should include the downfall of those with whom they disagree. Instead, he says, “…prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings [should] be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” This is very relevant for our day, where quiet, peace, godliness, and dignity seem to be in short supply. Imagine the impact it would have if we made a regular practice of praying for all our leaders!
How easy is it for you to pray for those leaders whose positions you oppose? How might you pray for them in a way that does not elevate your position over theirs?
Commit yourself to doing that during your prayer time this week.