Pray for Our President
I am a citizen of these United States of America. I was born here. I served this nation and continue to do so every day as a proud citizen. The people of these United States elected a president. He is the President (capital “P”) of the Unites States – there is only one.
I serve alongside citizens, soldiers and friends, who voted for former President Obama. I did not vote for him. I did not agree with him. I did not like many of his actions. But for 8 years, Barrack Obama was the President (capital “P”) of the United States – the only one.
I fervently reject the hatred and bile that lead the otherwise patriotic American to denounce the sitting President of the United States as, “not my president.” I challenge you to step away from emotion, grab your Bible (or Google) and do your own research on how we are to interact with our elected leader. Why?
Because God commands us to pray for Donald Trump. “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.” (1 Tim 2:1-2, NIV) God doesn’t give us the leeway to reject our leader. Nor does He command that we must like, agree with, or support every action of that leader. But He does command simply – pray for “kings and all those in authority.”
But why would you pray for someone who goes against everything in your being? Why would you petition God to intercede on behalf of a president you didn’t want? Because God said doing so enables us to live in godliness and holiness. If God said praying for the president is a godly and holy act, then in contrast is rejecting him ungodly and unholy?
Just in case you feel like arguing that we have a Christian responsibility to reject bad leadership – take another look at scripture. The impetus is on the leader to do right, not on us to call him out. God raises up kings and God sets the standard to which they are held.
“Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture” Jeremiah 23:1
“It is an abomination to kings to do evil, for the throne is established by righteousness” Proverbs 16:22
“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.” Hebrews 13:17
“But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve” Mark 10:43-45
So Christians, citizens, veterans all, I challenge you to pray for our President that he would act with wisdom, seek God’s face, and be the leader God will have him to be. Don’t reject him and in the process find yourself at odds with God’s command. If you want change, pray that God intercedes and the President serve as a godly man. That is your duty. That is your right.
That is God’s command.
