February 19, 2019. Praying for those in authority.The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live. (1Ti 2:1-4 MSG)

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (1Ti 2:1-2 NKJ)

The call to pray for everyone, but specifically, those in authority is not a blank check for any and all actions that a government or President might take.  Of the four types of prayer, Paul mentions, we find supplication in Ephesians 6, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints– (Eph 6:18 NKJ) Clearly, this is part of a Christians spiritual warfare, making sure that those in authority stay in line with God’s will, and Word.

When we don’t how to pray, the Holy Spirit can lead us into intercession. “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom 8:26-28 NKJ)

Finally, and only after we are convinced that all is well, do we give thanks.