I Timothy 2:1-2 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
Shortly after his inauguration in 1789, President Washington stated the following:
“If I could have entertained the slightest apprehension that the Constitution framed by the Convention, where I had the honor to preside, might possibly endanger the religious rights of any ecclesiastical Society, certainly I would never have placed my signature to it”
George Washington would be undoubtedly ashamed at the attack on religious rights in 21st century America. Derived rights from the Constitution have been elevated over explicit rights in the Constitution. The most basic and clearly stated American rights have been superseded by those rights stemming from contorted legal arguments. Washington would have not signed the Constitution had he had the slightest apprehension that such events would unfold.
Who is to blame? The answer is complicated and multifaceted. Yet, there is one population group that should shoulder its share of the responsibility because of their sins of omission – us! We have been directed to pray for kings and those in authority so that we can lead quiet and peaceable lives. As our rights have been trampled on, and our quiescence and peacefulness have been stripped from us, we must take stock of the neglect of our prayer lives.
PLEASE PRAY FOR AMERICA’S LEADERS AS WE SHOULD HAVE ALL ALONG. Our rights are more than endangered; they are being actively threatened. Our quiet and peaceable lives are more than at risk; they are being upended. Preemption of these problems through prayer would have been much preferable, but reaction to these problems by prayer is our only remaining option.
