Political Prayers

I want to remind the church of the command to include in your prayers all political leaders and really all those in government.

Paul says to 1 Timothy:

1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people 2 for kings and all those in authority.

Ellicott’s Commentary notes how some of the early so-called Church Fathers highlighted these commands.

A well-known passage in the Apology of Tertullian, written about a century after Paul, shows how well and carefully this charge was kept in distant Carthage (North Africa):

“We Christians. . . .do intercede for all the emperors that their lives may be prolonged, their government be secured to them, that their families may be preserved in safety, their senates faithful to them, their armies brave, their people honest, and that the whole empire may be at peace, and for whatever other things are desired by the people or the Cæsar.”

Early in the 2nd century, Polycarp of Smyrna bears similar testimony to this practice in the early Church of praying publicly for their heathen rulers:

“Pray for all the saints; pray, too, for all kings and powers and rulers; And [he adds] for your persecutors, and those that hate you, and for your cruel enemies.”

So there are some vital things that the early churches and so-called Church Fathers did get right!

Now, why should we pray thus?

Well, Paul tells Timothy so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.

That’s it!

In other words, it’s not about praying for the right political party let alone the right political leader.

Or even for the right political positions but simply pray so that they may leave the church alone to serve our God and His Messiah.

In Mark 12 the Jews once again try to trap Jesus by playing political games.

I like the way The Message Bible paraphrases the story:

14 “Teacher, we know you have integrity, that you are indifferent to public opinion, don’t pander to your students, and teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

15-16 He knew it was a trick question, and said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Bring me a coin and let me look at it.” They handed him one.

“This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?”

“Caesar,” they said.

17 Jesus said, “Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”

The Message Bible adds:

Their mouths hung open, speechless.