Presidents deserve bipartisan help from prayer

How are you going to celebrate Presidents Day on Monday?

This national holiday is set aside to honor presidents. It seems to me that many people get a day off work, but there seems to be little done by the general population to remember or honor our presidents. When I was a child, instead of just one holiday, we celebrated Lincoln's birthday on Feb. 12, and we also celebrated Washington's birthday on Feb. 22.

These men are not only remembered because they held the office of President of the United States, but because they served with integrity and honor in critical times in our nation's history. Because their service blessed our country, we actually took time on these days to honor them. How will you celebrate Presidents Day?

You might think this is an interesting question for a pastor to ask his congregation and other Christians. Isn't this a political question? Are politics and faith really connected? Actually, Christians seek to live their faith in God by serving him in every aspect of their lives. So, while politicians may try to steer clear of recognizing one faith above others, Christians are deeply concerned with living as children of God in their own countries.

However, as I read God's word, this Christian activism takes on a different appearance than much partisan political activism we see today. Christians are called first to submit to and honor those in authority, and Christians are also called to pray for those in authority.

In Romans 13:1 we are told: "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established."

This does not say those in authority are perfect. There are no perfect Christians. There are no perfect parents or children. That is why we need Jesus as the one who saves us from sin. There are also no perfect citizens, no perfect leaders nor presidents. Still, if you read the rest of Romans 13:1-7, you can see that God has established earthly authority for a purpose. Governments are to commend those who do good and punish those who do evil. In order for the government to carry out its authority, Christians should submit to laws that don't conflict with our conscience (Acts 5:29) and Christians are to give honor and respect to those who serve.

In fact, in 2 Timothy 2, God tells us how to honor our authorities. I suggest this is a good prescription for celebrating Presidents Day: "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Christians are to pray "all for those in authority" so that they may govern in such a way that we can live godly lives. What a great way to celebrate Presidents Day!

What if we disagree with the policies or actions of a leader? Think about it.

Then they need our prayers even more. Actually, when we pray we are trusting God to accomplish his will. We certainly want the almighty and loving God directing those in authority. In America, that means even Democratic Christians should have prayed for President Bush, and even Republican Christians should pray for President Obama. We want God to direct our leaders.

I was reading on the Internet something that Abraham Lincoln said about prayer.

"I have been driven many times to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."

If President Lincoln knew of his need for prayer, we surely need to pray for God's guidance for our leaders today.

Jonathan Rockey is pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Palmer.

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