Lift them up in prayer...

"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." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Some historic trivia allege that President James Buchanan was so disliked by some that his picture was stamped on the bottom of hotel chamber pots. Criticism for our presidents has been a national pastime for generations. But when did disrespect for the presidential office ever bring change to the nation? Though we may disagree with our leaders, we must choose to tear them down with criticism or lift them up in prayer.

Paul lived at a time when the Caesars ruled the world as gods. They demanded worship, but their moral and social depravity was legendary. Yet, Paul called for prayer and thanksgiving for "kings and all those in authority" without exception. While others tore the Caesars down with criticism, Paul chose to lift them up in prayer. 

We can listen to any number of political commentators today that find unending fault with our national and local leadership. The more we listen to them the more unsettled we become and nothing is changed. Yet, there is a choice for change... you can spend quality time tearing your leaders down with criticism or you can lift them up in prayer.

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A CALL TO PRAYER
Knowing that intercessory prayer is our mightiest weapon 
and the supreme call for all Christians today,

 I pleadingly urge our people everywhere to pray. 
Believing that prayer is the greatest contribution 
that our people can make in this critical hour, 
I humbly urge that we take time to pray—to really pray. 
Let there be prayer at sunup, at noonday, at 
sundown, at midnight—all through the day. 
Let us all pray for our children, our youth, 
our aged, our pastors, our homes. 
Let us pray for our churches. 
Let us pray for ourselves, that we may not lose the word 
‘concern’ out of our Christian vocabulary. 
Let us pray for our nation. 
Let us pray for those who have never known Jesus Christ 
and redeeming love, for moral forces 
everywhere, for our national leaders. 
Let prayer be our passion. 
Let prayer be our practice.

- Robert E. Lee