Last week I visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City. At the heart of the museum was a timeline that, in great detail, broke down the events of that day starting from the breaking news of the first attack through the failed bombing attempt of the fourth plane. As I watched live videos, read quotes and listened to audio recordings from victims, I was transported back to 2001. It ignited all the emotions I felt when it happened the first time. There were quotes toward the end that talked about how it galvanized the country. All the divisions that sort people into social and political categories had vanished. I remember that distinctly as well.
Over two decades later the divisions are back—with a vengeance. There are more ways to sift and separate Americans today than there ever has been. There are as many methods to disapprove, condemn and oppose “those people” as people can be imagined.
Divisive anger seems to funnel upward, hitting its peak of passion with the country’s leaders. Truth be told, there are righteous reasons to be angry with them. Despite the legitimacy of those issues, God calls Christians to do something very specific for those leaders. The celebration of Independence Day is, perhaps, a secular reminder for Christians to follow that biblical mandate, the command to pray for them.
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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior (1 Tim. 2:1–3)
The verse begins with the verb “urge” and the subsequent descriptors capture the multifaceted character of prayer. Supplications are requests regarding the spiritual needs of others. This is the specific word used in James 5:16 when it talks about the “prayer” of a righteous person having great power. Christians are to offer petitions on behalf of their leaders.
The second and more generalized word is prayers. This is often used hand-in-hand with supplication. Numerous times the act is described as offering “supplication and prayers.” In Ephesians 6:18 believers are to pray “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.”
To intercede for another is to acknowledge the insufficiency of the requestor. As our advocate, Christ is at the right hand of the Father interceding for us. Likewise, Christians are called to intercede for their leaders. While it is translated as “prayer” in 1 Timothy 4:5, the same original word is used when it describes how God’s creation is “made holy by the word of God and prayer.” The one interceding is taking up the cause for that which is in need.
Lastly, there are to be prayers of thanksgiving. Yes Christian, you must offer thanksgiving for all who are in high positions. The motivation that undergirds supplications, prayers and intercession is gratitude.
I have taken the time to delineate the varied characteristics that Paul listed, but the specifics of their individual character were probably not his focus. It is not so important that each form of prayer is exercised for leaders, but that all kinds of prayers are to be made for them. In simpler terms, it is important that you pray for more than just their salvation. Pray for wisdom in selecting subordinate leaders, in producing God-honoring and just legislation and that they would perform their duties in a way that facilitates the spread of the gospel.
1 Timothy 2 begins with the command to pray for all people in this way, but it shines a light on kings and all who are in high positions. You are instructed not only to be “subject to rulers” and to “render unto Caesar” what is his, but also to pray for them in meaningful ways. Future generations will experience the impact of today’s Christian praying for their rulers. Commit yourself to a regular regimen of supplication, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving on their behalf and to the glory of God, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.