1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, Verse 2for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. Verse 3This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Verse 4who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Verse 5For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, Verse 6who gave himself a ransom for all-this was attested at the right time. Verse 7For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Devotion
At the church I serve, we regularly include in the congregational prayers the political leaders of our country, state, and city. My town is a beautiful mix of rural and urban, liberal and conservative. So no matter what political leaders are in the prayers, someone in the congregation supports them, and someone definitely does not.
The church is political, but not partisan. We pray fervently for God's will to be done regardless of which political party is in power. Our prayers for those we disagree with, as well as for those we support, change our hearts to see our leaders and political rivals as fellow members of God's family. Our prayers for our rivals help us humbly acknowledge that we are not better or more right than others, but that we are all God's beloved and can show the gospel together through our loving, prophetic actions in the political realm.
Prayer
God of all, bring about your justice and peace in our world! Bless all leaders to work for your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.