I confess—I enjoy following politics. I like the strategy of it all, the gamesmanship, the moves and deals required to get anything done.

I also like reading about political leaders. Recently I finished a book about Winston Churchill, the British prime minister who saved the world from Hitler, written by Boris Johnson, the former mayor of London and current British prime minister. I distinctly enjoyed reading about Churchill through the eyes of a present-day political leader.

So I admit, I felt the conviction settle when I happened upon these words from the Apostle Paul: I urge you then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

While I regularly question the judgement of leaders, and dissect their decision-making, and rant about their policies, I rarely pray for them. Yet Paul underscores such prayer as of first importance.

Even when I disagree with those in power—cringing at certain views while finding others reprehensible—I’m still to pray for our leaders.

Somedays the Word of God annoys me.

This morning I prayed for leaders, by name, of my nation and state and community and around the world. Perhaps you’ll join me, and together we’ll all experience more of the peaceful and quiet lives hoped for as a result.

I Timothy 2 in week twenty-six of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Marco Oriolesi