Politics & Prayer — Really?

Benjamin van Driel
Jul 27, 2017 · 2 min read

The political climate has radically changed in the past 18 months. Despite our opinions, the changing policies and what the future holds, there is one thing we need to hold to — Prayer.

Culturally we seem to think it’s okay to verbally destroy a person when we don’t know them personally.

“Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me”

Over the past year as political decisions, and governance has changed, I’ve noticed that we’ve felt that it’s okay to belittle our leaders. To speak negatively of them.

Surely, we are called to respond differently?

Do we really need to join in with a drama based society?

Romans 13 and 1 Timothy 2:3 both teach us to pray for our leaders.

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.

Before Jesus was crucified he went before Pilate. In the narrative Jesus informs Pilate that the authority he has is given to him because of God. The verses above and Jesus conversation with Pilate challenge me. It poses more questions than answers for me — and I don’t profess to have them. However, it highlights is the need for us to pray.

Whether we agree or disagree with the government we should find ourselves on our knees — it must be our first port of call. Instead of belittling and bemoaning, pray.

Our perspective is so often tinted by our experiences. Fear can, if we allow it to, lead us to respond in ways that God never intended for us. My heart’s cry is simple:

Whatever your political persuasion, respond in prayer. The world loves to destroy. You are called to be different.

What would it look like if we first responded in prayer?

Benjamin van Driel

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