I pray for president Trump everyday, but before anyone gets their nickers in a knot, I also prayed for Obama, and for Bush… I do not have to agree with everything or even anything a president does to pray for him. I do not have to have voted for the president to pray for him. I pray because as a believer in Jesus Christ I am expressly commanded to.
Here’s the kicker: If I have allowed offense, or resentment, or hatred into my heart for president Trump, or any president, my prayers will fall to the ground unanswered (and this maybe a good indiction I need to turn off my TV to avoid the hatred that is spread daily). Offense and resentment quickly grows into hatred and the Bible makes clear, hatred is the same as wanting to murder a person (1 John 3:15). We cannot pray for someone we hate. And, as a Christian, if we are offended at anyone, or resent or hate anyone, we should be repenting and praying for God to heal and restore our heart. A Christian is never entitled by offense, resentment, or hatred, these are never justifiable excuses not to pray. Any excuse a Christian offers as reason to not pray runs counter to biblical counsel.
Pray for the president and all the leaders on either side of the isle. Pray for their families. Pray for their staff…
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness,” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor,” 1 Peter 2:17.
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God,” Romans 13:1.
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper,” Jeremiah 29:7
“Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling,” Psalms 2:10-11.
“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will,” Proverbs 21:1.
