A reference to prayer

READ: Jeremiah 39,40; Psalms 115; 1 Timothy 2

SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 2:  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,
4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

OBSERVATION: 1 Timothy 2:1-2 is one of the frequently used passages of the bible in Christian prayer meetings. Many Christians find this passage very helpful, especially when they do not know what to pray for in prayer times.  Many of us pray for those we love and those who love and support us and are concerned for us. For those we deem as not favorable to Christianity and Christians, how do we pray? Do we pray for them or against them? Here, Paul urges us to pray FOR all people. Praying for all people is a privileged responsibility of every Christian. Paul’s use of  “first of all” refers to the significance of such prayers. Every human needs prayer. It is impossible to see a living person who does not need others’ prayer.

Paul uses four different Greek words for prayer: Deēseis (supplications or petitions), proseuchas (prayers), enteuxeis (intercessions), and eucharistias (thanksgivings). These words emphasize that we must pray for all in all aspects. When we pray for all, we should not neglect the kings or rulers and those in authority. We must pray for our rulers and officers, regardless of their religious, political, and social stand. Some may ask, how could we pray for those who have views against Christian faith and practice?  Remember: Paul wrote these words when the cruel Roman emperor Nero was in power. We should pray for the rulers because we believe in GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY over all people. In Romans 13:1, Paul says, “The authorities that exist have been established by God.” We all desire to have “peaceful and quiet lives” that help us live godly and holy. First of all, when we pray for all, we will have such an atmosphere to practice our faith. Our purpose of prayer does not end with it. God is pleased with such prayers. He “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” So, our prayers for all not only would give us a peaceful living but also create a favorable situation to proclaim the Gospel so that people may come to God the savior. Robert J Morgan, the author of “My all in all,” writes, “We can exercise knee-based influence over leaders whom we may never meet.” We believe our prayers are powerful. We can use it to make the change we desire.

APPLICATION:  I should not be narrow-minded in my prayers.  I should pray for all; this includes people who are against me and my Christian faith. My God sovereigns; Nothing is too hard for him (Jer.32:17). The ultimate power and authority are in God’s hands. As I pray for all, I should remember God’s will for all people. I will pray that “all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

PRAYER:  Saviour God, I pray for all the rulers and officers of my country. Lord, give them wisdom and understanding to rule the people. I pray that my country should be a place for a godly and holy life. The Lord will do great things for my country. Amen.

- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573

Day - 297