What's A Christian To Do? Part 2

In yesterday's post, we noted that in our opinion, our government is broken. I also noted that "the who or what" that is actually broken can be up for "debate." You might think the politicians are broken or the political system is broken. Some might argue that the Federal Government itself is broken.

We have seen the debt-ceiling, the Federal budget itself, and Obama-care kicked around like the proverbial hot-potato. Each side is blaming the other side for stone-walling any solution to compromise.

It does not take a rocket scientist to postulate two major observations:

• There is definitely a problem
• There does not appear to be a solution

One of our major responsibilities both as Christians and as citizens is to pray for our government. We are to pray for those in authority.

"I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and [for] all that are in authority... (1 Timothy 2:1)

So, how or what should we pray? Why should we pray? Let's address the why first and then look at the how or the what.

Why Should We Pray?

• In order to live a quiet and peaceful life

• In order to live a life characterized by godliness

• In order to freely share the gospel

• In order to use their God-given authority wisely

• In order to terrorize the bad and reward the good

What Should We Pray?

• That they may be drawn to Christ

• That we would be thankful for God's wisdom and provision of government and government officials 

• That we would trust God as He works out His will through governments and government officials

• That the glory of God would be revealed

• That God would use government to pull down strongholds of darkness

• That God would raise up intercessors for our nation

• That God would deliver us from government's destruction

• That God would soften the heart, grant repentance, and through His Holy Spirit give eternal life

You can always use Clement's prayer as an example if you get stumped:

"Thou, Lord and Master, hast given our rulers and governors the power of sovereignty through thine excellent and unspeakable might, that we, knowing the glory and honor which thou has given them, may submit ourselves unto them, in nothing resisting thy will. Grant them, therefore, O Lord, health, peace, concord, stability, that they may administer the government which thou has given them without failure. For thou, O heavenly Master. King of the Ages, givest to sons of men glory and honor and power over all things hat are done upon the earth. Do thou, Lord, direct their counsel according to that which is good and well-pleasing in thy sight, that administering the power which thou hast given them in peace and gentleness with godliness, they may obtain thy favor. O thou, who are able to do these things and things far more exceeding good than these for us, we praise thee through the High Priest and Guardian of our souls, Jesus Christ through whom be the glory and the majesty unto tee both now and for all generations, and for ever and ever. Amen!" (1 Clement 61)