Pray for Kings

In the Order of Centurions, our Rule calls for us to pray. We are called specifically to offer prayers for kings (make that "leaders" in most countries today).

In the Order's Eucharistic Liturgy, praying for the World and its leaders is the first of the biddings in accordance with Paul's exhortation: Saint Paul instructing Timothy said, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." [1 Ti 2:1-6]

We in the US are of course called to offer up intercessory prayers for our President - whomever he may be at the time - regardless of party! Currently that is George W. Bush, a man who takes a lot of criticism for his religion.

( http://www.townhall.com/columnists/GuestColumns/Shaheen20040817.shtml )You might find the interview with Emily Shaheen about her new book God and George W. Bush interesting. In one response Ms Shaheen says, "I hope to convince people that Bush’s faith is nothing to fear. He is no more devout than the vast majority of our presidents, and he is a far better human being with his faith than without it. Bush subscribes to what Terry Eastland of The Weekly Standard calls a Love Thy Neighbor theology. Jesus constantly spoke of love and called the love commandment the greatest commandment. Bush constantly cites the commandment Love thy neighbor as thyself as proof that we should tolerate all people and all faiths. No President EVER has spoken so warmly of Islam, even before September 11, 2001! "

The Love thy neighbor as thyself commandment, to which she refers, is part of the Summary of the Law cited by Jesus and declared the second greatest commandment. It is also part of the Centurion's Rule. She also cites many other presidents and candidates, of both parties, concerning their religious beliefs.


Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org