Living in the Spirit
September 15, 2016

Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-7

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. –1 Timothy 2:1-4

Many theologians are vexed by exactly what Paul means in Romans 3:1, Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. We once again find ourselves in the midst of a political campaign with one side or many sides assuring us that not only is their side far better than the other side but that the other side is wrong. So what happens when we do not get our way? Gridlock seems to be the answer. Very little gets done and we the people suffer for it.

Our scripture today perhaps suggests a better way: first, pray for everyone in high positions, and I would add everyone running for any office. We have just over 50 days until the election. It is a good time to pray for all candidates running for office and for all citizens discerning how to vote. God is not a Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, or member of the Green party. God wants the very best for all God’s people and can work with and through anyone who seeks to love like Jesus loves and work for the Common Good.

Prayer: God of Justice and Mercy, hear our prayers. We have chosen a form of governance that demands our full participation, which involves a lot of responsibility we sometimes want to pass to others. Help us each to own our own role in the success of this country. Clear our minds for purely selfish interests. Help us find ways to reach the greater good for all your children impacted by our decisions. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized 
Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council 
of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights 
reserved.