June 2, 2015

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life, G*dly and respectful in every way. This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of G*d our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (p.51) volume II

“The author employs four partially equivalent Greek words for prayer, each of which conveys a different nuance: the term deesis indicates an appeal for a particular need; proseuche is a general word for prayer that frequently occurs in petitions; enteuxis captures an urgent and bold request; finally, eucharistia denotes an expressions of gratitude. Similar lists of prayers requests occur in other Pauline and Deutero-Pauline letters, for example in Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6, and 1 Timothy 5:5.

Thus, the author of First Timothy solicits all imaginable forms of prayer. They are to be spoken “for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions” (2:1-2). Why are the latter specifically mentioned here? The immediate reason might be the hope that Christians “may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” In the first century CE as today, much of that was determined by religious tolerance and political stability guaranteed by those in leadership positions.” Commentary on 1 Timothy, Christian A. Eberhart at the “Working Preacher” website, September 22, 2013

We have many government officials who are responsible for leadership, passing laws, and seeking the good of all people they serve. Many of those elected to office are good, hard-working people who really are interested in seeking the best for the people in their district, state, etc. And there are those who are completely self-serving — only interested in power, prestige, and influence. No matter why they are in office, we need to be in constant prayer for them and their compassion. Before every session of the State House of Representatives and the Senate, at least in Pennsylvania, each session opens in prayer. I have prayed at several of those openings. It may seem like a conflict which some would argue goes against “separation of Church and State”, but if any group needs prayer, it is those who serve the people. What disappointed me in praying for a session was the lack of attendance of Senators and Representatives for the opening prayer. None-the-less, we need to pray for all in elected office, appointed office, and who volunteer for an office. No matter what office they serve, we need to pray for their compassion, equality, sense of justice and peace.

Pastor Dave