Paul wrote to Timothy, a young leader overseeing multiple churches in Asia Minor, instructing that in every place of worship, men and women should pray with hands lifted to God, with a pure heart, free from frustration, anger, and controversy (see 1 Timothy 2:8-9).

Paul addressed the environment of worship, not the style of worship, not the worship leader’s talent or gifting, not the meeting place. He dealt with issues of the heart to create such an environment.

He wrote, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

I took an inventory of my own heart regarding prayer for “all people,” and specifically for every political leader and representative who carries authority—ALL is the operative word. Am I also praying for those with whom I strongly disagree? Do I intercede passionately for them—intervening on their behalf, asking God to help them? Do I give thanks for them?

I believe we have largely forgotten this instruction. We have followed the spirit of anger and controversy instead of freedom from the influence of that spirit. I hear and see horrible accusations and divisions being made.

We all want our nation to flourish. We want a peaceful, quiet society marked by godliness and dignity. We want both justice and mercy. We want love and truth. We want righteous leaders raised up in our government. We also want everyone to be saved and understand God’s truth.

If we really want to flourish, personally and as a nation, we will deal with our anger and controversy, and we will pray!