30 Jun July 4 – Daily Devotional

PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY IN THE UNITED STATES

1 Timothy 2:1-2  “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.”

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!  Today marks the 258^th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.  There will be parades, picnics and probably a few protests to mark this day.  Today’s devotional verses suggest to you, a Christian, to include one more activity in your fourth of July celebration, “. . .pray, intercede, and give thanks . . . for the President of the United States, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives, those who serve in courts at all levels, governors and state legislators and all local county and city leaders.

At first blush, in the current political culture and the condition of this country, you may not be very open to pray for at least some of those in authority mentioned in the previous paragraph.  Before you think about today’s leaders, think first about the conditions experienced by those Timothy pastored.  The Romans treated their citizens brutally.  There was political graft at all levels of society.  Unless you were a Roman citizen, which few were, you had no rights whatsoever.

Yet, Paul, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit wrote to Timothy, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority . . . “  In Romans 13:1 St. Paul writes, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established . . .”  Your sinful human nature or even through exhortations of Satan himself you may not want to recognize the elected leaders of this country are “established by God.”  That, however, is exactly what God’s word says, isn’t it?

Therefore, on this 258^th anniversary of the United States, Paul’s words to Timothy are an excellent way to be a faithful citizen of this country and a faithful member of God’s family.  As Jesus submitted to governing authorities. He declined to call down legions of angels to free Him from Pilate’s death sentence.  Instead, He  prayed for His Father to forgive Pilate and all others who were responsible for His crucifixion.  Pray that God will be with today’s leaders that they faithfully carry out their constitutional responsibilities the citizens of this country may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Prayer:  Holy God, merciful Father, have mercy upon the United States of America and all you have permitted to be placed into leadership positions at all levels of government.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Before You, Lord, we bow, Our God who reigns above

And rules the world below, Boundless in pow’r and love.

Our thanks we bring In joy and praise, Our hearts we raise

To You, our King!

The nation You have blest May well Your love declare,

From foes and fears at rest, Protected by Your care.

For this bright day, For this fair land— Gifts of Your hand—

Our thanks we pay.

May ev’ry mountain height, Each vale and forest green,

Shie in Your Word’s pure light, And its rich fruits be seen!

May ev’ry tongue Be tuned to praise And join to raise

A grateful song.

Earth, hear your Maker’s voice; Your great Redeemer own;

Believe, obey, rejoice, And worship Him alone.

Cast down your pride, Your sin deplore, And bow before

The Crucified.

And when in pow’r He comes, Oh, may our native land

From all its rending tombs Send forth a glorious band,

A countless throne, With joy to sing To heav’n’s high King

Salvation’s song!

(LSB 966)