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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  

1 Timothy 2:1-4

I hope you had, or are having, an enjoyable time celebrating the July Fourth holiday. I am grateful that I was born and live in the United States, where I can worship Jesus openly without fear of physical harm or the confiscation of my possessions. That was not the case when Paul asked Timothy to pray for those in authority.

In 1790, George Washington responded to a Jewish congregation in Newport, Rhode Island. The congregation was wondering whether they would enjoy the same freedom to worship as a minority faith in this new country. Washington responded,

“It is now no more that toleration is spoken of, as if it was by the indulgence of one class of people, that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support.”

In these words, Washington expressed that the freedom to worship is a natural right and that this new nation would protect that right. Just a year later, the First Amendment was passed, constitutionally guaranteeing the free exercise of religion.

Though, as a country, we have not fully embodied Washington’s ideals, we do enjoy the freedom to “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness, and holiness.” This is a freedom that many in the world today, and many down through the ages, have not possessed. So, as we celebrate our nation’s independence, please take a moment to obey this verse and pray for our governmental leaders. And also pray for our brothers and sisters around the world who don’t have that same freedom. 

Rick Keith, on Behalf of the Elder and Minister Team