Posted by I am an avid reader, I always have been and always will be. It’s not unusual for me to be reading 5-8 books at one time on a variety of topics to keep myself entertained and engaged. Currently I am reading Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin. This book discusses Abraham Lincoln’s political genius in building his cabinet and running the country. This is an intense book to read, it’s 900 pages all about history (by far my least favorite subject in school), but I am loving it!
This evening I read about how the Civil War began. I had never given U.S. history enough thought to place myself in the people’s shoes. I never dared to think about what it would’ve been like to experience all the horrors they did. They battled fear, bigotry, racism, hatred, and opposing ideologies within their own parties; men had to decide to defend their conscience or their home, women didn’t know if their husbands and sons would ever come back, and people lived in constant fear of attack.
Imagine leading a country during that time!
1 Timothy 2:2 says:
“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.”
I love that Paul instructs readers to pray for all people first because, even though some of us don’t like to admit it, we all need prayer. But then he gets even more specific: pray for those in high positions. Talk about needing prayer! If I had to make a decision that would effect the lives of millions of people I would want others praying for me. I can’t imagine having the responsibility of leading millions of human beings, can you? As frustrated as I get about the governmental and social climate of today, I don’t envy their job and the weight these men and women carry.
Take a minute to think about the political climate Lincoln navigated through. Is it really that much different from our country now? I think many problems are eerily similar: racism, hatred, bigotry, division, greed, broken families, fear of outside attacks, and many more. Whether you agree or disagree with their political stance, those who are leading our country desperately need our prayers.
It’s easy for us to overlook the weightiness of the office the President holds. If you look at pictures of past presidents before and after they took office there is a stark contrast in their demeanor. The Presidency aged each of these men considerably. The immense power and pressure those in our government hold could destroy them and has before. That’s why we need to pray for them. I’m not making a statement about ideology or political parties, I care about obeying what the Bible tells me to do, regardless of how I feel about those currently in our government.
I am committing to set aside time to pray for our President and our government each day this week. Will you join me?
Work in Progress 
Well put! We forget that no matter how we may feel about them, they are in a position of authority, and rather than bashing or glorifying them, we should pray for them as we would anyone else who needed guidance and wisdom!
LikeLike