Give us this day...

Martin Luther, in his Large Catechism, expounds on the Fourth Petition “Give us this day our daily bread.”  Paraphrased, Luther says:

In praying for “daily bread” we’re really praying for all our necessary needs and comforts in life, including living in peace and quiet with others. We should especially be praying for our earthly authority and government, because it’s through our government that God provides for all our needs.

Likewise, God's Word says:

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.  Romans 13:1

I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.   1 Timothy 2:1-3

Wednesday is my day to pray for the government. I normally list the various positions of our government leaders and pray for them: President, Vice-President, Senate and House, the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, the Governor, Lt. Governor, State Legislatures, State Justices, Mayors, Township Managers, City Council, School Board, Police and Sheriff’s Departments, EMTs and Ambulance Services, and the Trash Collectors.

Long list, incomplete list, for I know that I’m just scratching the tip of all the people who work in government. It just seems overwhelming, and I wonder if anybody really knows what’s going on, what people are actually doing.

And now, the government is conducting this audit/inspection. I remember having Command Inspections in the military, and that dreaded FSMAO inspection. Basically, it amounted to, “Are you doing everything correctly? How can you improve?”

But with this government “inspection” the lines are drawn. One side is happy with this turn of events, the other side is fighting mad.

To me, as a Christian, it doesn’t really matter which side of the issue I'm on. For...

It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.  It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.  Psalm 118:8-9  

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.  Psalm 146:3a

The Lord wants us to we pray for all our needs and our government so that we recognize that we receive everything from His hand, and we know His steadfast love and goodness toward us.