Topical Bible: Magistrates: To be Prayed For

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In the biblical context, magistrates are civil authorities or judges who are responsible for maintaining order and justice within society. The Bible emphasizes the importance of praying for those in positions of authority, including magistrates, as they play a crucial role in the governance and well-being of a nation.

Biblical Mandate to Pray for Authorities

The Apostle Paul, in his first letter to Timothy, underscores the necessity of intercessory prayer for all people, particularly those in authority. He writes, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered 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). This passage highlights the connection between praying for leaders and the resulting peace and godliness in society.

Purpose of Praying for Magistrates

Praying for magistrates serves several purposes:

1. Wisdom and Discernment: Magistrates require wisdom to make just decisions. Solomon, known for his wisdom, is an example of a ruler who sought divine guidance. In 1 Kings 3:9, Solomon prays, "Give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to discern between good and evil." Praying for magistrates to have wisdom ensures they can govern justly and righteously.

2. Justice and Righteousness: The Bible calls for justice and righteousness in leadership. Proverbs 29:4 states, "By justice a king gives stability to the land, but a man who exacts tribute demolishes it." Praying for magistrates to uphold justice aligns with biblical principles and contributes to societal stability.

3. Protection and Integrity: Leaders often face challenges and temptations that can compromise their integrity. Praying for their protection and moral fortitude helps them resist corruption and remain faithful to their duties. Psalm 72:1-2 is a prayer for the king, asking God to endow him with justice and righteousness.

4. Peace and Prosperity: The well-being of a nation is closely tied to the effectiveness of its leaders. Jeremiah 29:7 encourages seeking the peace and prosperity of the city, which includes praying for its leaders: "Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper."

Examples of Praying for Leaders in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, there are instances where God's people are called to pray for their leaders. In the book of Ezra, the people pray for the Persian king, Artaxerxes, who supported the rebuilding of Jerusalem: "May the God of heaven, who has caused His Name to dwell there, overthrow any king or people who lifts a hand to alter this decree or to destroy this temple in Jerusalem" (Ezra 6:12).

Similarly, in the New Testament, the early Christians are encouraged to pray for the Roman authorities, despite the challenges they faced under Roman rule. This reflects a commitment to seeking God's intervention in the affairs of human governance.

Conclusion

The biblical call to pray for magistrates is rooted in the understanding that all authority is established by God (Romans 13:1). By interceding for those in positions of power, believers participate in God's work of bringing about justice, peace, and righteousness in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 2:1,2
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Riot at Philippi
... And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their ...
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the riot at philippi.htm

Baptists.
... That civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests of good order
of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/baptists.htm

Knox in England: the Black Rubric: Exile: 1549-1554
... which""because I am but one, having in my contrary magistrates, common order ... Lord's
Supper." Many listeners were greatly moved, and Utenhovius prayed that the ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter iv knox in england .htm

The Life of Mr. Robert Rollock.
... He prayed farther, that he might have the presence of God in his departure ... The day
following, when the magistrates of Edinburgh came to see him, he exhorted ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr robert.htm

The New Hampshire Baptist Confession. AD 1833.
... for the interests and good order of human society; [2145] and that magistrates are
to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed; [2146] except only in ...
/.../the new hampshire baptist confession.htm

In the Regions Beyond
... to Paul in the night: There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying ... They
brought the apostles before the magistrates with the charge: "These men, being ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 21 in the regions.htm

The Philippian Jailer.
... but wicked men had taken them before the magistrates; and the magistrates had caused ...
They prayed to God, and sang praises to Him; and they sang so heartily ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/the philippian jailer.htm

Biographical Sketch.
... for his reception, arising from the dilatoriness and indifference of the magistrates
in the ... He also prayed very diligently, as earnestly as one pleads with his ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/biographical sketch.htm

The Life of Mr. Andrew Melvil.
... and Balcanquhal gave him the good character he deserved, and prayed earnestly for
him ... himself to the steeple; but at the entreaty of the magistrates and others ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr andrew.htm

Acts xvi. 13, 14
... they prayed only where there was a synagogue; they also prayed out of ... the marketplace
unto the rulers, and brought them unto the magistrates, saying, These men ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxv acts xvi 13.htm