PRAY FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT OBAMA
November 7th, 2008In Paul’s pastoral letter to Timothy, his fellow leader, he instructed Timothy to offer prayers for kings and all who are in authority so that people may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. (2 Timothy 2:1,2) The application for Christians living in our present age is to pray for our political leaders and other leaders in authority. Therefore we pray for President-Elect Obama because Scripture teaches us to pray for our leaders. How then shall we pray for our future President?
I first pray for Barach Obama’s physical health because being the President demands physical fitness. We want a healthy President who is not hindered by bad health and physical illnesses. As we pray for each other’s physical health we ask God to give our President good health.
Second, I pray for our President’s safety from those within our nation and outside our nation who would wish to destroy him. Our nation has made great strides in equal rights for people of all races but we are not free from radicals who hate those who are different. Every US President has been in danger from insane people who wish to do them harm. President-Elect Obama has already ignited the flames of hatred and animosity among certain groups. We are at war on two fronts against terrorists who would give up their lives to destroy an American President. For these reasons let us pray for the safety of our President.
Third, I pray for our President to exercise humility as the most powerful leader of the most powerful nation in the world. Arrogance may be a constant temptation for this man who overcame poverty and racial prejudice to ascend to the White House. Reporters speak of him as a man making history in the world. Obama possesses a keen intellect and the ability of a skilled orator who has exhibited strong persuasive power. The cheering crowds, the world-wide celebrations, and the praises of the news media over his election must be intoxicating to his ego. He like any man wants to be respected and loved. We pray his ego is under the control of strong discipline, reasonable wisdom, strong ethical standards, human compassion, and a love for freedom. Egomaniacs become tyrants who destroy the innocent and helpless to feed their own egos. We pray our President will be humble before his nation, the world, and before God.
Fourth, I pray our new President will be a problem solver instead of being a poll watcher on issues such as the economy. He has made promises which have pushed our expectations past the realm of reality and common sense. Inflated promises are the substance of present day politics but trying to please everyone will eventually please no one. President-elect Obama shoulders a huge responsibility to solve our nation’s problems. Pray for him daily.
Fifth, I pray our soon to be President will be a role model by word and example on the responsibilities fathers and mothers have for their children. I admire him for overcoming the trials of not having a father in his home and being reared in a single parent home. He is coming to power during a time when society has delegated parental responsibility to the school system. The priority is fixing the homes first which would also repair much that is broken in our school systems. Pray for President Obama.
In God’s Love,
Terry Jones, Senior Minister