March 07, 2013
For Kings and Authorities
TODAY'S STORY
Some very dear friends of ours live in Kenya’s capitol city, Nairobi, and through social media we have been watching and waiting with them through this East African nation’s most recent presidential election. During the last election in 2007, violent clashes between the supporters of opposing candidates claimed more than a thousand lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people before one presidential hopeful took the office by force. Needless to say, Kenyans have been a bit nervous about this week’s opportunity to vote for their next leader, but that didn’t keep many of them away from standing in line, including one of friend of ours who stood in line for seven hours under the hot African sun to have the chance to vote! And for our friends and those in Kenya who believe that God is in control, many prayers are being offered for whoever their nation’s next leader will be and that God will use that person to continue promoting peace and will lead Kenya to a better and brighter future, using their position of authority for good and not evil.
Photo from bbc.co.uk
GOD'S STORY
1 Timothy 2:1-4
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.
What does todayʼs Godʼs Story scripture teach us about praying for our leaders?
Whether it’s the president of your nation or the principal of your school, God asks that we pray for those in authority over us. Why? So we can live in peace, as the author states. But even more importantly because it pleases God when people are saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. I am a firm believer that praying for people can change our hearts toward those we pray for, so even if that leader is harsh or corrupt, pray for his or her salvation and knowledge of God’s truth. Imagine what God could do with their influence and authority if their heart was turned toward Him!
MY STORY
How can I connect todayʼs story and Godʼs Story scripture to my life?
How often do you pray for your leaders? Leaders of your nation, leaders in your church, those in authority at your job and even influential people in your family all need your prayers. Ask God to help bring to mind those who are in a position of authority in your life and be willing to lift them up in prayer.
THEIR STORY
How can I connect todayʼs story, Godʼs Story scripture, and my story to others?
Everyone seems to have an opinion when it comes to politics, even if you aren’t old enough to have voted. And we often don’t have a choice about many figures of authority in our lives, such as a supervisor at work or a parent or pastor. But when your hear your friends expressing their opinion about someone in authority over them, be bold enough to ask if they have thought about praying for that person. Share today’s scripture and offer to pray with them for those leaders.