Prayer for Obama

"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 an dignified in every way."

It is important to Paul that Timothy pray for all types of people. He specifically mentions “kings and all who are in high positions.” Because ancient rulers were so often cruel and disrespectful to God and His people, they were most often targets of bitterness and hostility rather than prayer. Paul urged Timothy to pray for them and be an example to his congregation to do so as well. For us today this means that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” be made for President Obama. This may be a shock to some evangelical Christians but it is a mandate from God. We may not agree with everything or anything that President Obama is doing but that does not mean that we are not to have him in our prayers daily.

I was talking with a friend the other day and the topic of Satan came up and the fact that Satan is a finite being who can be in only one place at a time. I asked him who he thought Satan was most likely harassing today. His answer was either the Pope or President Obama. These are two of the most powerful men on the planet and if Satan can only be in one place at a time either of those two men would be a prime target. Just as in war it is more advantageous to take out the General’s rather than the Private’s so too in spiritual war would it be advantageous for Satan to sway the leader of the free world. Think about that for a moment. Can you imagine the temptation put before you if Satan himself was the one tempting you? I am in no way saying that President Obama is possessed by Satan or anything like that. I am saying that as President I’m sure he is tempted in ways that most of us can’t even begin to understand and he needs our prayers.

Why should we pray for our leaders? Paul tells Timothy so “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” Prayer for those in authority will create societal conditions favorable for the church’s missional efforts. As John MacArthur puts it “when believers are committed to praying for all their leaders it removes any thought of rebellion or resistance against them. It makes the people of Christ into peacemakers, not reactionaries. As Paul wrote Titus:

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.”

There Paul again calls the believers to tranquility and submissiveness to the pagan or apostate governments over them. He urges us to be subject, eager to do good, never to slander or contend, to be meek and considerate, because we understand that they are sinners like we used to be, incapable of righteousness.”

Although God is concerned with the well-being of His people, the peaceful quiet life spoken of here is not so that we can live comfortable lives. God is more concerned with the spread of his kingdom and the carrying out of His mission than he is with our well-being. As I said earlier the purpose of the peaceful life is for the advancement of the Gospel without any unnecessary hurdles. As always, it’s not about you, it’s about Him and His kingdom.