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 Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. – 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Dear Jesus,
I love this passage because it tells me how to reframe all the political news I hear. Nothing in politics is important enough to take the front seat in my heart, because it doesn’t take the front seat in yours either. My biggest concern is that more people be saved not that earthly kingdoms triumph or parties survive. Since your gospel has gripped my heart by the throat I care mostly about one thing, the salvation of the planet. So, dear Jesus, guide all governments and especially mine to be protective of religious freedom so your people are free to proclaim your love and truth without interruption in large and small places. Help your word to reach the rulers of spiritually dark countries so they throw open the doors for missionaries. Cause your gospel to sprout in new and unpredictable places.
Amen
Pastor Don Patterson
The two greatest activities on the earth are prayer and preaching and they are interdependent on one another.