“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.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
The Apostle Paul is writing this letter
to his “child in the faith” (1Timothy 1:2, 18; 2Timothy 1:2; 2:1 and Philippians
2:22) Timothy, for the purpose of encouraging him to preserve the faith. He
also urges him to instruct others how to live the Christian life and directs
him to combat all heresies that arise in opposition to the gospel.
Paul gives prayer four descriptive
elements: requests, which ask something specific of God; prayers, which are
general talk with God; intercessions, which are an individual seeking something
from God on the behalf of another and thanksgiving, which is simply adoration,
praise and thanks given to God.
Paul also mentions for Timothy to pray
for government leaders so that he may live a peaceful, quiet life. I must confess I don’t do that very often,
but seeing as God is all-powerful and in control of all things it would be a
very good idea to pray that God would influence the hearts and minds of those
leading our country.
Some leaders may be believers, others
perhaps not, but God knows the hearts of men (Jeremiah 17:10; Luke 16:15 and 1
Corinthians 2:11). If anyone can change
the course of a nation God can. I know
our pastor includes the president, congress and all the state and local leaders
in his prayer on Sunday mornings. It would
be a good habit to get into. Pray for
those who make laws and mold our society.
While it’s true that the world is a decaying mess, we can make an
appreciable difference if we start by praying for our country and its
leaders.
In
the end God’s will shall prevail over any and all opposition. As Christians, we know without question that
we shall live with the Lord for all eternity if we do not turn away from the
faith that has brought us where we stand today. Make your requests, talk with God, pray for all others and thank Him in
advance for all He will do in response to those petitions. It’s a very good idea to thank Him simply for
who He is as well. Until next time, walk
with the King and be a blessing!
