I spent today at the library reading and studying, so my attentions were away from the inauguration this morning.
When I left the library for a few minutes to get a sandwich for lunch, a television in the restaurant pulled me back to reality as President Obama was giving his inaugural address. Which precipitated a quick thought — I need to compile a few thoughts about how to pray for our president.
There are actually several extended passages in Scripture that either instruct directly or exemplify how we are to relate to those who are in authority over us:
- Daniel 3:8-18; 4:19-37
- Romans 13
- 1 Timothy 2:1-8
- 1 Peter 2:13-20
And to that we add the examples of men like Joseph and Paul who failed to complain amid severe injustice, and Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, who lived godly lives under ungodly pagan kings.
As I contemplated how to put that all together in some cohesive form, when I checked my email, I found that Al Mohler had already penned a prayer for the day that encompassed many of the principles of the above passages. Reading (and praying!) “A Prayer for President Obama” is worthwhile. And John Piper also adds some brief thoughts about “Being Pro-Life Christians Under a Pro-Choice President.”
Words of Grace 