The Secret to a Quiet and Peaceful Life
Today’s Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-2
PRAYER

The 2017 Inauguration Ceremony in front of the U.S. Capitol with the Florida National Guard in the foreground.

Today, the world witnessed the seamless transfer of power to a new administration in the United States. With the official inauguration of President Donald J. Trump and Vice President Michael R. Pence, America is entering what many are calling the beginning of a new era for the United States and potentially the nations of the world.

People of faith heavily invested in this transition with as many as 80 percent of evangelical voters ensuring the election of Donald Trump. Commenting before the inauguration, Franklin Graham affirmed,

“[God] has given us a new opportunity—a new day in Washington and in the leadership of this country.”(1)

There is no doubt in my mind that Rev. Graham is correct in his assessment.

Moving forward from this momentous occasion, people of faith must maximize their God-given opportunity with a workable plan. The apostle Paul provides an empowering strategy as found in today’s text:

1 Timothy 2:1-2
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

PRAYER FOR LEADERS EMPOWERS

I can almost audibly hear the apostle Paul’s words imploring people of faith in the 21^st century to avail themselves of the privilege of making supplications, prayers and thanksgiving on behalf of elected officials and leaders. Paul’s imperative to pray for those in authority is not a suggestion, rather a prayer priority!

Paul’s admonition is the key to empowerment in the challenging day-to-day realities of 21st century life.

PRAYER FOR LEADERS RESULTS IN SECURITY IN LIFE

The 2016 presidential election and the subsequent inauguration of President Trump represents the outcome of a hard-won campaign. There is a sense of renewed hope that this can be the beginning of what many predict will be an intense four-year effort to reinvigorate our culture with the Judeo-Christian principles upon which the United States was founded.

Donald J. Trump taking the Oath of Office.

The interval between the election and inauguration underscored the reality that there is an aggressive battle raging not just in Washington, but across the country.

In addition to the political, economic and partisan confrontations being waged on Capitol Hill, there is an even more intense spiritual battle manifested in segments of prevalent culture as evidenced by the unease, rioting and outright anarchy since the election (1 Pet. 5:8-9).

Paul’s admonition reveals that prayer for political leaders results in security and the ability to live a peaceful life in spite of harsh realities.

PRAYER FOR LEADERS IS A PRIORITY FOR THE FAITH COMMUNITY

At face value, Paul’s imperative compels all people of faith—whether you are an American or citizen of another nation—to consistently uphold all men in leadership positions with daily prayer. Moving forward into this new era of opportunity, people of faith can positively influence culture to regain the Judeo-Christian strongholds in demonstrating a godly life and reverence for God.

Seeking God in Prayer for America.

When the broader faith community earnestly seeks God on a personal level with every concern in life, we acknowledge that He alone has the ability to intervene for good on our behalf in spite of the challenges we face.

Join me by praying daily with intentionality for President Trump, Vice President Pence and their families along with the new administration. While much is at stake, Jesus’ words still assure that prayer is our priority: “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive” (Mt. 21:22).

Charles E. McCracken is an international Bible teacher, long-time friend of Israel and advocate for the Jewish people. With 40 plus years of ministry experience, Rev. McCracken is known for authenticity in communicating biblical truth that makes his presentations relevant for those seeking to understand the significance of Israel and the church in Bible prophecy. He staunchly supports the nation of Israel and the Jewish people’s right to exist and live in peace.

© Charles E. McCracken 2016, devotional comments only. Repost/Reprint with permission from the author via Contact Form under ABOUT. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Emphasis added.)

ENDNOTE:
(1) Fox News Insider. “Franklin Graham: ‘It Wasn’t Donald Trump That Divided This Country.’” (accessed January 20, 2017).

IMAGE CREDITS:
1) The 2017 Inauguration Ceremony in front of the U.S. Capitol with the Florida National Guard in the foreground. By The National Guard [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios
2) Donald J. Trump taking the Oath of Office. By White House (YouTube) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios
3) Seeking God in Prayer for America. By Harley Pebley (Flickr: Prayer for USA) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons – Enhancement: MKM Portfolios

♦