When our leaders rule with integrity, when the rule of law is followed, and when justice is being properly applied,

social peace can flourish.

One of the greatest joys and blessings of being an author is hearing about the ways your work impacts others. All of the emails, texts, cards, and conversations I’ve had with readers are stored up in my heart, reminding me of why I wrote One Nation Under God: to encourage my sisters in Christ.

A few months ago, a reader emailed me and shared that she’d been distressed about a recent decision made by her local government—a decision she felt would be harmful to both the environment and the residents of her rural town.

She emailed me the day after she read “To Live in Quiet and Peace,” one of the devotionals. She said that the book has been a tremendous comfort to her and told me that she was moved to pray for her elected leaders and was trusting in God above all things.

Amen and hallelujah!

Glory to God that His Word is living and active, and that He chooses to use us, His children, to spread His truth and to love others through the work of our hands.

In this week’s blog post, I’m sharing that devotional. I pray that it will bless you as it blessed this dear woman.

Yours in Christ,

Amanda

xoxo

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.

—1 Timothy 2:1–4

We’re extremely blessed to live in a country where we can vote for those in public office. From the local councilmember to the mayor to the governor, all the way up to the president, we can stand in that voting booth and select the people we feel most closely align with our Christian values and beliefs and are best qualified for the position. Although voting isn’t mandatory, it’s something we shouldn’t take for granted. Many people around the world don’t have this opportunity and freedom.

The Historical Backdrop of 1 Timothy

Neither did the Apostle Paul. Although he was a Roman citizen, he didn’t get to vote for any of his local or national political leaders, because they were appointed. The citizens had no say in the matter, regardless of how corrupt those individuals were.

This is especially significant in the context of Paul’s first letter to Timothy, the young pastor whom Paul mentored and considered his spiritual son, referring to him as “a true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). In the middle of the first century, the notoriously wicked Nero became emperor of Rome. His rule was marked by tyranny and violence, particularly against Christians. He blamed the Great Fire of Rome on the Christians, using this as an excuse to enact state-sponsored persecution. Believers were arrested in droves and subjected to torture and excruciating deaths, including being set on fire or crucified.

Against such a backdrop, it’s even more remarkable that Paul specifically exhorts Timothy to encourage the believers of the Ephesian church, where Timothy served as bishop, to pray for their leaders: “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” (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

All Types of Prayers for All Types of People

In using multiple words to describe these petitions, Paul communicated the idea that there isn’t simply one “type” of prayer. You can think of the terms this way: A supplication is something we ask for. Prayer is a more general term, for speaking to God as a Father. Intercessions are offered on the behalf of others. And thanksgiving is just what it sounds like: expressing gratitude to God.

When we pray to the Lord, we can use all of these approaches. And we’re to offer them “for all men, for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Even for an evil emperor like Nero? Yes. For tax collectors who confiscate more of the people’s wealth than they ought? Yes. For authorities who abuse their privileged positions? Yes. Paul’s language couldn’t be clearer: for all men.

Of course, it goes against our sinful flesh to pray for our enemies. Yet we Christians have a humbling and profound responsibility to pray not only for ourselves and those we care about but also for our enemies, as Christ Himself exhorts in Luke 6:27–28: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” On the cross, He Himself modeled this lavish grace and mercy, when He implored, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

Praying for Our Civil Authorities

We can’t underestimate the power our prayers have for our leaders, who daily make decisions that impact our families, our churches, our communities, our nation, and our world. Every day, we can ask God to grant them wisdom and a heart that aligns with His will.

Even more so, Paul said that we should pray for leaders unto a specific end: “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (1 Timothy 2:2). How could that not have been a deep desire of the apostle, as he watched his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ be imprisoned and martyred for their beliefs?

The Purpose of Civic Order

When our leaders rule with integrity, when the rule of law is followed, and when justice is being properly applied, social peace can flourish. The ultimate purpose of a peaceful society is God’s purpose: that the church can fulfill the Great Commission Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19–20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.”

Paul reinforced this truth when he wrote that the goal of his guidance was to ensure that the Gospel could be preached without hindrance, because the Lord “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Gratitude for Religious Freedom

Unlike Paul, Timothy, and other early Christians, we’re blessed to live in a nation where we have an unfettered ability to believe in and worship the Lord and share the Gospel. Granted, we might encounter opposition to these endeavors from civil authorities, but the freedom of religion is enshrined in the Constitution of the United States. Nevertheless, we shouldn’t take this freedom for granted and should be willing to stand up against any authority that would deprive us of this right.

Our nation struggles with political turmoil, social unrest, and moral confusion. We might get frustrated with those who lead us, wondering why they don’t “fix” all of these problems. Yet Paul’s exhortation encourages us to pivot from criticism and complaint to supplication and gratitude, asking God to intervene for all people and for the good of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank and praise You that we live in a nation where we may worship You freely and share the truth of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—with all. May we never take this freedom for granted, and may we pray for our leaders to enact and enforce laws and policies that allow us to live quiet and peaceable lives, so we may pursue those good works You’ve prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

For Further Reflection

Do you see any ways that a lack of “a quiet and peaceable life” for American citizens has hindered our ability to worship or share the Gospel?
In what ways do you see society and the church flourish when we have peace in our nation?

Excerpt taken from One Nation Under God: 40 Devotions for Patriotic Women by Amanda C. Bauch.

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