Pray for kings and all who are in high positions

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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV

Pray for kings and all those in authority, was not a command to those who agreed with government, but to those who would potentially be killed by the government. The king at the time 1 Timothy was written was Nero Caesar, who is not on record as looking favourably an the members of the fast growing new religion of Christianity.

Paul’s message to pray for kings and all who are in high positions, the government, came at a time when the government wanted, and was trying, to wipe them out.

This is still happening. Persecution of Christians, real persecution where Christians are being killed and tortured for their faith. The blog of Bishop Angaelos  of the Coptic Orthodox Church is a good resource here.

The command is not to pray for the government of your country when you agree with them and against them when you disagree. Though of course you have to pray for the government you agree with. But also pray for the government you disagree with, for the government you votes against and even for the government whose policies are harming you. Pray for the government whose policies are killing people. For them, not against them.

I am not saying that every action of a government is God’s will. But God is in control in the universe, no matter how bad it looks, and is able to bring good out of even the worst circumstances. In uncertain times God can be trusted.