Last week’s election result was a surprise. I was expecting another coalition with some wrangling and battling to get a Prime Minister. I guess England got nervous of a Labour/SNP pact and voted Conservative. At least there can be no cries of voter apathy this time!
Are you cynical about politics, disappointed with the last government(s)? What do you do? Grumble, moan, or become apathetic? The Apostle Paul commands us to “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 Saviour.” I like a quiet life, so I pray, I pray for my family, my friends, my town and for the government.
Paul want us first to make petitions, prayers and intercessions for them – ask God for favour for them, wisdom for the, courage for them to rule wisely and with justice.We are not told to pray them out, Paul urges us to pray for them so we would live in a stable, peaceful society that allows freedom of worship. Then Paul urges to be thankful in our prayers for them. Thank God for the good. And stop moaning! Don’t forget Paul wrote those words to Timothy when Nero was Emperor – he was a first century Stalin or Hitler.
Andy Moyle
The Gateway Church