Newsletter — January 28, 2024

Theologian Peter Leithart makes an interesting observation about the prayers of Christians in his book “The Theopolitan Vision” that we should consider and apply. He notes (p. 102) that prayer is another way we “‘one-another’ one another.” We cast our anxieties, and the anxieties of our brothers and sisters, on the Lord, be they great or small, and that all those prayers are ultimately about building the heavenly city that renews the cites of men.

But, he further notes, our prayers should reach as far as God’s promises, and not just stay at the personal level. Our prayers, he maintains, should rise to the level of Kingdom prayers, such as that Jesus will reign till all his enemies are placed beneath his feet (1 Cor 15), oppressor’s teeth are broken (Ps 58.6), the installed Son quiets the raging nations (Ps 2), justice and peace among nations is established (Ps 72; Is 9), etc. When is the last time you prayed his kingdom would continue growing from a stone into a mountain that fills the earth (Daniel 2)? Or that the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea (Isa 11.9)?

To be faithful in prayer, make your prayers political, too. Because all of life is political: Jesus is Lord! He is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. That’s global redemption. That’s the city of God redeeming the city of Men!

So next time you sit down with food to give thanks, pray that he will squash the wicked elected rulers of Tennessee however he sees fit. And, next time you tuck the kiddos into bed, ask Jesus to establish justice in our counties so your children can build Christian families, practice Christ’s love and law in peace, and St. Mark and all Christian churches can worship faithfully for a 1000 years!