First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior… 1 Timothy 2:1-3

The language of public policy must first of all be the language of prayer. Without prayer – speaking with God about public policy – we cannot hope to have any power but our own wits and wiles assisting us in the policy-making process. With prayer, however, much, much more is possible, as we shall see.

It is good, and according to God’s Word, that Christians should pray for those who are in positions of public policy-making. The language by which Christians may expect to affect public policy and to bring the wisdom and understanding of God’s Law to bear on social and political issues is first of all the language of prayer.

Samuel, even in “retirement,” understood that he must continue to pray for Israel and her leaders (1 Sam. 12:23). He certainly had his differences with Saul and the drift of things in Israel, but Samuel would not allow himself to fall into sin by failing to pray for those in power.

David prayed that the kingdom under his son, Solomon, would flourish in righteousness, justice, and material blessings, and that God would be honored and glorified throughout the earth as a result (Ps. 72).

Daniel also knew the importance of praying about matters of public policy and government. He turned to prayer and rallied his friends to pray when an opportunity for affecting Babylonian policy was suddenly thrust upon him (Dan. 2:17-23). Prayer opened the door for Daniel to participate in policy-making in significant ways during the reigns of Nebuchadnezzar and Darius.

It’s clear that the effective, fervent prayer of people committed to knowing and living the Law of God can be very powerful (Jms. 5:16), even, as we have seen, to affect the kinds of policies governments enact in ruling their people. The language of public policy-making must be first of all the language of prayer.

T. M. Moore

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