Praying for Those in Authority

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 13, 1916

Praying for Those in Authority

The apostle Paul writes, “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 God our Saviour: who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim. 2: 1-4.

In these troublous times of earth’s history, we should follow this exhortation. But few if any of us realize the perplexing responsibilities which come to men of high position in the state, or the temptations which assail them. The destinies of their fellows are in a large measure in their hands. How much they need divine wisdom! How great the need that the Lord’s restraining hand shall be placed upon them, so that they shall be kept from doing that which would bring injury to his cause of truth in the earth.

It is well for us to remember the words of Abraham Lincoln which were addressed to a committee calling upon him to express dissatisfaction over some things he was doing. Mr. Lincoln said,—

“Gentlemen, suppose all the property you were worth was in gold, and you had put it in the hands of Blondin, to carry across the Niagara River on a rope. Would you shake the cable, or keep shouting to him, ‘Blondin, stand up a little straighter; Blondin, stoop a little more, go a little faster, lean a little more to the north, lean a little more to the south’? No; you would hold your breath as well as your tongue, and keep your hands off until he was safe over. The government is carrying an enormous weight. Untold treasures are in their hands; they are doing the best they can. Don’t badger them. Keep silence, and we will get safe across.”

This is excellent advice for us to follow, not alone in relation to the government, but in relation to the work of God. Oftentimes we see one of our brethren laboring under a great burden. We see where he makes mistakes. Our criticisms as a rule will not help him, but our prayers may bring the needed power or wisdom from above to enable him to perform his task aright. Instead of criticizing our fellows, let us cultivate a spirit of prayer in their behalf.