Pray for the just and the unjust
Almighty God,
From whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is fill with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
(Anglican Book of Common Prayer, 2019)
1 Timothy 2:1-7 NRSV
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings 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. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. For 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.
Matthew Henry
The disciples of Christ must be praying people; all, without distinction of nation, sect, rank, or party. Our duty as Christians, is summed up in two words; godliness, that is, the right worshipping of God; and honesty, that is, good conduct toward all men. These must go together: we are not truly honest, if we are not godly, and do not render to God his due; and we are not truly godly, if not honest. What is acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, we should abound in.[1]
Donald Guthrie
Two important considerations which stand out are the inclusion of thanksgiving and the wide scope of the subject-matter. Not only is Paul anxious to include everyone but draws special attention to those exercising authority. What is significant is that Paul makes no distinction between those rulers that are just and those that are not. He sees it as a Christian duty to pray for those whose actions affect every citizen. But the purpose of the prayer is that Christians may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.[2]
Warren Wiersbe
Prayer helps to maintain the peace of society. As Christians pray for leaders in government, God overrules and protects His church from wicked men. Above all else, prayer pleases God and glorifies Christ. If we pray only to have our needs met, we have a low view of prayer. Of course, we ought to pray for the salvation of the lost. Christ died for all men, and God would have all men to be saved; therefore, the Spirit directs the believer to pray for lost people.[3]
Almighty God,
Who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure conduct. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom, in thy Name, we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Anglican Book of Common Prayer, 2019)
Jesus Shall Reign
If you have found this meditation helpful, take a moment and give thanks to God. Then share what you learned with a friend. This is how the grace of God spreads (2 Corinthians 4.15).
[1] Matthew Henry and Thomas Scott, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1997), 1 Ti 2:1.
[2] Donald Guthrie, “1 Timothy,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1297.
[3] Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the New Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1992), 623–624.
