This past Sunday the president visited a church in Virginia.
While there, the pastor of the church publicly prayed a very gospel-oriented prayer over the president.
For the pastor, this was really a routine duty...
Pastors pray for others... the president needs prayer... so the pastor prays for the president.
Not a big deal, right?
Well, the pastor received some backlash from people in his own congregation for choosing to pray for the president.
Apparently they were 'hurt' by his decision because they don't like the president, and find his policies and conduct offensive.
There has been a fair amount of press about this... and the whole sorry situation raises the question, "Should pastors pray for presidents?"
The Bible is straightforward on the issue.
In fact, all Christians are called to pray for those who have authority in the civil realm.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way" (2 Tim.2:1-2).
So why all the controversy?
Unfortunately, America has become so politicized that now even the simple act of prayer for those in high places comes under scrutiny.
So does this mean we should refrain from such prayers?
Not at all.
While pastors are wise to avoid having a time of prayer become a photo op for a politician, there needs to be more prayer for presidents... and judges and legislators too.
Because...
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ" (Rev.11:15)...
... and civil rulers are ministers of God charged to serve Him in the public realm (Rom.13).
So we need to pray for them... and pray a lot... that they would fulfill their role faithfully and justly...
... so we in turn can fulfill our own callings in peace.