July 30, 2025
1 Timothy 2:1–2
“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.”
Canada Day is more than a national holiday. It is an opportunity for reflection, a moment to give thanks for the gifts of this land and also to consider the responsibilities that come with citizenship. In my view, for followers of Jesus, it is also a call to prayer.
When the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy urging prayer for “kings and all those in authority,” he wasn’t offering advice to a people in power. Rather, Paul was speaking to a young pastor leading a marginalized church in the Roman Empire, and remember this was an empire that often misunderstood, ignored, or persecuted Christian communities. Yet still, Paul’s instruction is clear: pray. PRAY, not just for friends or allies, or for the just or the righteous. Look at our passage today, Paul says PRAY for ALL in authority.
Why would Paul urge Christ’s followers to pray for all in authority? I believe it is because prayer is an act of trust in God's ultimate sovereignty. Prayer in this way is a declaration that leadership, justice, and the wellbeing of a people are not simply political matters but ultimately spiritual ones. Truth is, we do not pray to control outcomes, (do we?) we pray to seek alignment with God’s purposes, for our leaders, our communities, and our shared life together as Canadians.
We need to be reminded at times that prayer is not a last resort. Prayer is a first response. This kind of praying invites humility before God’s rule, and also resistance against the despair that says nothing can change. We know, I believe, that God’s Spirit brings about change, in individuals, communities, and a nation. So, when we pray for our leaders, we are asking that their decisions be shaped not by partisanship or lobbyists pressure, but by wisdom, compassion, and courage. I feel like, we need to be reminded that leadership does not reside only on Parliament Hill or the Provincial Legislatures, or at a City Hall. Teachers, nurses, Indigenous elders, small business owners, first responders, parents, and religious communities, neighborhoods, you and me, all carry influence that shapes the soul of a nation.
I, for one, long to see Canada become a place of healing and hope, where the wounds of the past are acknowledged, where reconciliation is pursued, and where “justice rolls down like a mighty river.” There is no doubt our Canada needs this. I want to suggest today that the prayer that the Apostle speaks of in our verse today, is the type of prayer that opens our eyes to God’s vision for our country and also opens our hearts to take our place as part of its healing. I needed the challenge of Paul's words today, how about you?
Reflect
How often do you intentionally pray for Canada and its leaders?
What might be shaping your prayers—or your silence?
What would it look like for you to pray regularly for the flourishing of your neighborhood, city, province or country?
Let’s Pray
God of grace and justice,
we lift up our nation before You.
Thank You for its beauty, diversity, and the freedoms we enjoy.
We pray for our leaders, at every level of government.
Give them wisdom beyond politics, compassion beyond policies,
and courage to do what is right even when it is hard.
We ask Your peace to rest on our cities and towns,
Your justice to guide our institutions,
and Your mercy to heal our history and divisions.
Bless Indigenous communities with strength and voice,
immigrants and refugees with welcome and opportunity,
and all who labor for the good of others with perseverance and hope.
May Your church in Canada be bold in love,
humble in service,
and faithful in prayer.
Lead us, not only as citizens of this great nation Canada,
but as ambassadors of Your Kingdom.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
our true King and Prince of Peace,
Amen.
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