Praying for those in governmental leadership is not dependent upon who they are or how they rule. The first century culture was not Christian and often not Christian-friendly. Even a cursory reading of First Century Roman history reveals unmentionable behaviors and attitudes at the highest levels of government. And through time those in such lofty positions would permit, if not initiate, persecution against churches.

Yet the Apostle Paul pointedly directs Timothy and the church to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

Such prayer is not for our own tranquility, but for the sake of the Gospel.

“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”

Will you join me in praying 2 Timothy 2:1-6 in our cultural context for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Will you so pray for the President, Senators, Representatives, Justices and Judges of the United States? Will you so pray for the leadership of your state? Will you so pray for the leadership of your county or parish? Will you so pray for the leadership of your city?

There is much to be said from the Bible in the midst of this present culture. But let us not rise to speak without first having knelt to pray.

And so I am praying for those in leadership whose names I do not know, but also specifically for names I do know and for those I personally know. Make your list and pray.

The President of the United States Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden

The United States Congress
Senator John Boozman
Senator Tom Cotton
Representative Bruce Westerman

The United States Supreme Court
Chief Justice John Roberts
Justice Samuel A. Alito, Jr.
Justice Stephen G. Breyer
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Justice Elena Kagan
Justice Anthony Kennedy
Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Justice Clarence Thomas

Judges of the Federal Court System

The Governor of Arkansas Asa Hutchinson

The Arkansas Legislature
Senator Bruce Malloch
Representative Lane Jean

The Arkansas Supreme Court
Chief Justice Jim Hannah
Associate Justice Robin F. Wynne
Associate Justice Courtney Hudson Goodson
Associate Justice Josephine L. Hart
Associate Justice Paul E. Danielson
Associate Justice Karen R. Baker
Associate Justice Rhonda K. Wood

Judges of the Arkansas Court System

Columbia County Judge Larry D. Atkinson and Justices of the Peace

Magnolia Mayor Parnell Vann and City Council