Supplications and Thanksgiving!

Now that the election is behind us, what do we do? Let us remember this Scripture:

I Timothy 2:1-4---"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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of G-d and our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

Notice the phrase, "and giving of thanks". You may wonder how to give thanks for some of those in authority. But, Philippians 4:6,7 admonishes us to, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto G-d, And the peace of G-d, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Our prayers and supplications, including for those in authority and for our country, should be accompanied by giving of thanks! Much sin comes from an unthankful heart---read Romans 1!

We must pray for those leading our country for these reasons:
1. That we may live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty
2. This is good and acceptable in the sight of G-d and our Saviour
3. The L-rd wants all men to know the Truth and be saved

Notice that the first reason is so that we may live a quiet and peaceable life. I think that has to do with being able to live with freedoms to serve the L-rd, not having to fear what we say or what we do for the L-rd. It isn't a selfish prayer, for our own gain---to acquire wealth, fame, possessions so we can live on easy street. It's so we can live a godly and honest life. The early believers didn't have that luxury. They were often persecuted severely by the authorities for their faith.

The second reason to pray for those in authority is just as important, maybe more so: because it is good and acceptable to the L-rd. We should do things because it pleases the L-rd. Those of us with children know the importance of teaching our kids to do things they do not like to do. It builds character, and teaches them that they need to do things because it pleases mom and dad, and because it's the right thing to do. Sometimes we need to do things just because it pleases G-d!

And then, thirdly, we need to pray for our authorities because the L-rd wants to see them saved, too. Doesn't matter their party affiliation, what they've done in the past; He died for them, too. II Peter 3:9---"The L-rd is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

In these last days, our country needs much prayer. Those in authority need much prayer. We must remember that our hope is in the L-rd, not in government or political parties that come and go. Let us be faithful to pray and be thankful.