I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all goodness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)
One of the first lessons about prayer that we learn as children, and subsequently teach our children, is that we pray for other people. We "beseech" God on the behalf of others. The Bible calls this type of prayer supplication. And, it is all through the Scriptures. James instructs his congregation to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (James 5:16). Paul similarly writes, "pray continually; give thanks for in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thess. 5:17-18). And, Jesus in his great high priestly prayer prays for his disciples (John 17:6-19) and "those who will believe in me through their message" (John 17:20-24).
In 1 Timothy 2, Paul instructs Timothy to pray for all people, particularly those in places of authority. And, he says that this type of prayer is an act of worship. It is appropriate for men and women "who profess to worship God" to pray in such a way. We are to pray for each other and our leaders so "that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness" and that "all men" might "be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth." In other words, our "requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving" are essentially for the purpose of "Thy kingdom be come" (lives of holiness and peace) and "Thy will be done" (all men be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth).
Is this the end desire of our prayers of worship? Do we find ourselves praying for the opportunity to live lives of peace and holiness? I know that I find myself praying for peace, but do I do so in order to live a life of godliness? of holiness? Or, do I pray for peace in order to live a life free of any discomfort? Likewise, do we pray for the salvation of all men? is this the desire of our heart like it is the desire of the Lord Jesus' heart?
As we pray today, let's make a conscious effort to pray for "everyone," even those in authority. Pray for the President. Pray for the Congressmen. Pray for the Senators. Pray for the Assemblymen. Pray for the Governor. Pray for the Councilmen. Pray for the Elders. Pray for the Deacons. Pray for your Pastor. Don't just pray generally for them. Pray for the purposes of God -- for peace that we may live lives of godliness and holiness and that all men might be saved, for God's desire to become reality. Pray "Thy Kingdom come." Pray "Thy will be done."
Helpful Bible Passages:
2 Thessalonians 3
John 17
Luke 11:1-13
CHD
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