blog: Max Dawson
February 4, 2016
The Iowa caucuses took place this past Monday evening. That event is the real beginning of the presidential election every four years. It shall not be the purpose of this blog to take a political position regarding any candidate or party. The purpose of these short messages is to promote the themes of the gospel.
One of the themes found in the book of God is that of prayer. In particular, this morning I would point to Paul’s words about prayer in :
“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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Prayer is a critical element in the future of our nation, regardless of who gets elected. But this text above is not so much about the future of a nation as it is about the Lord’s people. We are to pray that “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” Why? Because we want what God wants. We want “all men to be saved.” A peaceable life is helpful to the spread of the gospel.
We want our rulers to leave us to the work of the gospel. Therefore we pray for our rulers, for all who are in authority. This means we pray for America.
While we may engage in argument about which candidates are better–or worse–we should ask ourselves, “How much have we prayed for any of these men or women?” And, “How much time have we given to prayer in a broad sense for our country?” Rather than mocking, throwing ugly insults, or castigating candidates and voters, we might be better off to go to our knees and talk to God.
Below are some things to pray for in this election season.
THE FINAL WORD
Here are five things you can pray for.
1. That our nation will turn back to God. America was founded on God’s principles of righteousness (). That means you should turn back to God.
2. That our leaders would be respected. Disrespect for officials is not the will of God (). That means we need to watch our mouths.
3. That we would trust God, whatever the outcome. God is over all; He is ultimately in control (). That means I acknowledge that God’s will has been done.
4. That we recognize we are in a war. Our real battle is not with the seen, but with unseen spiritual forces (). That means we must stand with God!
5. That our hope would remain in Jesus (). Don’t make the mistake of putting all your hope in any candidate. Ultimately, Jesus is your only hope!
Praise, blessing, glory and honor be to Jesus the Christ.
–Max
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