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Pray for the president, no matter who wins

(This column was written on the eve of the 2004 election for publication several days later)

In the mercy of God, and with the passage of time, the 2004 elections are now history. Thankfully, the television airwaves are now empty of campaign ads and one can turn on the tube without being assailed by charges and countercharges, for a while anyway. One hopes that, by now, all the lawyers have been sent home and that America knows who will be sworn in as president of the United States in January.

Now, it is time for Christians to begin acting like and praying like Christians once again. If George Bush has been re-elected, then the liberal ministers and churches are bound by scripture to pray for President Bush. If John Kerry has been elected President, then the evangelical ministers and churches are bound by scripture to pray for President-elect Kerry. It's that simple.

In the recent months, liberal Christians have ripped George Bush to pieces portraying him as the reason for all the ills that exist in America. Conservative Christians have acted as though the world will end and the Republic is doomed to hell if Kerry were elected. The truth is that, biblically, God is the one who establishes and casts down leaders. The scriptures are clear that the one who holds power does so because God wills it to be so. "For there is no authority except from God and those which exist are established by God" (Romans 13:1 NASB). So, my mainline Protestant friends, if Bush is re-elected, he has been established by God. It is just as true, my evangelical brethren, that if Kerry is now the President-elect, he has been established by God.

We live in a society where citizens are expected and encouraged to dissent, to participate, and to vote. Millions of Christians on both sides of the political fence have done just that during this past year. We have argued about moral issues, political issues, and personal issues. But now the votes have been cast and a result has been or will be declared. We have done our part. It is over. We have, or will soon have, a president. It is God's will.

One person said to me, "I think that if (name deleted) wins the election, it's God's judgment on this country!" Even if that be true, he is the one that God has established, whatever the reason. "Therefore he who resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves" (Romans 13:2 NASB).

So, what are you Democratic-leaning ministers and churches to do now, if Bush has been re-elected? And what are you Republican-leaning ministers and churches to do now, if Kerry has been chosen as president? The Apostle Peter said that we are to "honor the king," or, in our case, "honor the president" (1 Peter 2:17 NASB). We are to "submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king (president) as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God" (1 Peter 2:13-15a NASB).

So what are we to do with this man who is our president? Paul said, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone; 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" (1 Timothy 2:1-2a NIV).

Is your pastor or priest praying for the president? If not, why not? Does your church pray a godly, biblical prayer on behalf of the President each week, or at least frequently? If not, why not? It is in our nature to complain and criticize, and there is a place for criticism, as the Prophets demonstrated. But prayer is not an option, at least it is not optional for the Christian.

"O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world: We commend this nation to thy merciful care, that, being guided by thy Providence, we may dwell secure in thy peace. Grant to the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and to all in authority, wisdom and strength to know and to do thy will. Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness, and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve this people in thy fear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen."

[Father David Epps is rector of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church, at 4881 Ga. Highway 34 between Peachtree City and Newnan. He may be contacted at Frepps@ctkcec.org. The church, which meets at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sundays, has a Web site at www.ctkcec.org.]