Day 17: Prayer in the Age of Outrage
Scripture
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Devotion
Some have called the time period we live in the age of outrage. You have to be outraged about something, so it seems. Often that outrage appears in various news media—especially concerning politics. Occasionally, on these media outlets, you can hear a tone of sarcasm, skepticism, and perhaps even hatred.
Now, I’m not suggesting that the Bible is silent about political issues, and I’m not saying it’s wrong to have a conviction on these issues. However, hatred is wrong! Christ says to love our enemies, not to hate them—and surely that would also apply to people who disagree with us politically. But Scripture does not stop there, we are explicitly told to pray for our government leaders.
Notice what Paul says to Timothy, I “urge” you to pray “for all people” (v. 1). Now, all people would include difficult government leaders or at least those with whom we disagree. But Paul does not leave that up to interpretation. He spells it out clearly. In verse 2 Paul says, pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Therefore, regardless of who it is in the White House, we must pray for that person. Regardless of who is the governor, we must pray. Regardless of who is the mayor, we must pray.
Let’s reject hatred and pray for our leaders.
Application
Is there a government, business, church, or some other type of leader on your heart to pray for today? Pray that the person would “lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:2).
Prayer
Father, we are sorry for how we can get sucked into our age of outrage which seems to enjoy speaking negatively about leaders. Please forgive us! Instead, replace it with prayer. Please bless our government, business, and church leaders with wisdom, grace, godliness, boldness, and kindness that they would lead well and that they would lead peaceful lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.