First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For
there is one God;
there is also one mediator between God and humankind,
Christ Jesus, himself human,
who gave himself a ransom for all
—this was attested at the right time.For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. ~ I Timothy 2:1-7
Who is it difficult for you to pray for?
Who is it that you get so angry at that your heart just tightens up when you think of them? A family member who injured you? A former friend who ignored you? A member of a religious faith that you think is wrong? Or one that you think threatens the peace? Someone who committed a crime against you or against society?
Or maybe, someone that the writer of this letter to Timothy is alluding to: someone in power.
Maybe your throat gets a little tight when you think of praying for Donald Trump. Maybe you break out into a cold sweat when someone suggests praying for Joe Biden.
Maybe before an election you pray for the candidate you want to win - not all the candidates regardless of their party.
And yet we are called to pray for everyone. Even leaders we don't like. We pray because Christ is the mediator of our prayers and desires that through him the truth will be made known.
We pray that the truth of God's love be made known and shared by all who are in power and we ask God to give them them what they need to help us all - ALL - lead lives of dignity and hope and peace.
Help me to pray O, Lord, for those whom it is most difficult to pray! Amen