The Law of God and Public Policy: Three Ls (6)

“For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day?” Deuteronomy 4.7, 8

For whatever reason
We have considered two of the “Three Ls” of public policy—the logic of public policy (neither government nor the people are absolute, but only God) and the loci in which public policy is made (conversations, publications, and participation in public service). Before turning to the Law of God to begin discerning public policy outcomes and particular applications, we need to say a few words about the language of public policy, which we will do in this and the next installment in this series.

The language of public policy must first be the language of prayer. God has made it so that we may call upon Him “for whatever reason” and expect that He will hear and answer and show us great and mighty things (Jer. 33.3). 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.

Let us then consider the role of prayer in shaping and making public policy. 

Praying for policymakers
It is good, and according to God’s Word, that Christians should pray for those who are in positions of public policymaking. 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, 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 policymaking 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 policymaking, in whatever locus we address it, must begin in prayer. And that when we pray, for “whatever reason”,  our prayers should seek God’s wisdom, justice, righteousness, peace, and joy.

Let’s look more closely at one specific instruction concerning prayer that is clearly focused on matters of public policy. Paul’s exhortation to the men of Ephesus can help us in thinking about how we should use the language of prayer to lead the way in public policymaking.

Praying for policymakers and policy
Paul instructed the men of Ephesus and everywhere to pray for public officials and, by association, for the policies such men might make. We remember that government is the servant of God and that He expects governments to do what is good. Governments these days are comprised of Christian and non-Christian officials, and we will need to make our prayers specific for each. Prayer as the first word of the language of public policy begins with God’s people holding up specific officials, by name or office, before the Lord, pleading with Him to shape and direct them—or to restrain or defeat them—according to His good purposes for civil government.

We also note that Paul urged the men of Ephesus to avail themselves of all kinds of prayer in all kinds of situations. The combining here of various words for prayer—supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings—is intended to “cover the gamut” of all possible kinds of prayer—private and personal, public and formal, spontaneous or in response to specific situations or needs. No place or time is “out of bounds” or “off limits” when it comes to the work of prayer, including praying for public officials. We should be always at the ready to seek mercy from God for policies and laws that will allow the Church to continue to increase in God’s shalom and for people to experience their full measure of dignity as the image-bearers of God.

Pray, Paul urged the men of Ephesus, that God’s people may live free and peaceable lives, without harassment or persecution. Pray that godliness and dignity may increase, and that the Gospel may reach to the lost (v. 4). In these terms a wealth of public policy guidelines and provisions suggest themselves. We have begun to see in our day how public policies can subtly encroach on our precious religious freedoms. We might want to strike back at public officials when such policies are promulgated, with words of protest, warning, and even defiance. But we must begin to address all such matters by speaking first to the Lord of the heart. He alone can change the minds of those He has appointed to serve in public office.

If we will not take our public policy concerns to the Lord in prayer, we should not expect to know much success in realizing the policies we seek.

Our prayers for policymakers can have powerful effects. But we must believe this and be diligent in practicing prayer for public officials. Paul’s exhortation is not reserved for seasons of political campaigning or when some great issue is coming up for a vote. We must make such prayer a constant and continuous part of our own language of public policy, for unless we bring our requests to the throne of grace first, we may not expect to know the blessing of God on our endeavors.

For reflection
1. What can you do to be more consistent in praying for matters of public policy?

2. Why is prayer the necessary place to begin working for changes in public policy?

3. What can we expect if we refuse or fail to pray earnestly and diligently concerning all matters of public policy?

Next steps—Preparation: Do you have a list of specific policymakers to pray for each day? How might you secure or create one?

T. M. Moore

What is the place of the Law of God in the Christian’s life? Our book, The Ground for Christian Ethics, answers this question and shows us again why Jesus taught us that keeping the Law is an indispensable part of our calling in God’s Kingdom. Order your free copy of The Ground for Christian Ethics by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.