1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NIVUK)
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Yesterday we voted and today as a nation we discover who our new MP and government are. You might be excited by the news, you might be disappointed, or might not feel anything at all. Living in the UK, however, we’re blessed by having a society where our state is run peacefully and orderly. This isn’t of course always the case. Rulers can be ruthless or dictatorial, ruling oppressively. This makes Paul’s instruction here radical. Pray for your leaders that they might lead well. Pray for them if you agree with them. Pray for them if you don’t. Pray for them if they are Christians, and pray for them if they are not. Why? For the sake of the people that they might be able to live good and peaceful lives because that pleases God. And pray for the sake of the Gospel; a well governed state allows the church to function well and God’s invitation to be seen and heard.
Father we pray for our new government, MPs, their staff and the civil service, that they might rule well and that we might be able to live lives that please you.
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