1 Timothy 2:1-4 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.  This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

By the time we next gather for worship our nation will have elected its next Government. For the coming three years these people will seek to shape our nation for its good. As followers of Jesus our first act of citizenship will be to pray for them. The Apostle Paul encourages Christians to pray for those in authority in times when kings were not elected, and corruption was normal. Thank God we live in far fairer times. Our adult citizens placed their vote, we live under the rule of law, our nation has passed into this next government peacefully.  

We should still pray. Why? So, we will live “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness”. The deeper intent of God is to maximise the opportunities for “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”. At times people wonder if persecution is required to grow Christian faith. We may wonder. We should not pray for it. An environment where people can live out their faith in freedom is better for the promotion of faith. 

Let us pray for those in authority. And let us live as contributing citizens so we may promote the good news of Jesus and more will come to know him. 

Enjoy, 

Jason