“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving
be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful
and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” - 1 Timothy 2:1-2
The monarchy can be quite a devisive subject. Some love the institution and are drawn to its enduring spectacle. Others find it an outdated legacy left over from a period of history where normal people had no voice. Whatever your particular view, the fact remains that we have a monarch, and constitutionally she plays a part in the rule of our nation.
The apostle Paul reminds Timothy with some degree of force, to go to the God of heaven and earth on behalf of kings and authorities so that we might live in peace, being able to freely exercise our Godliness before all people.
The point seems to be, that a country where the authorities are pitched against Christianity would be one where it would be difficult to display our Christianity openly, and that would not be advantageous to the lost people of the world. They need to see our lights shining out, and the best environment for that to happen is a peacable one. Therefore we should pray that our leaders – our Queen – would remain favourably disposed to Christianity, which for 70 years, by God’s grace, she has.
It is quite amazing to think, that in Paul’s estimation we are so precious to God that our direct access to the throne of grace enables us to intercede with God on behalf of Monarchs from our own living rooms!
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