Tuesday Thought -- June 24, 2014

Good Morning Friends,

“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 godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. -- I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4, 8)

First Timothy contains a good deal of instruction about what was to go on in the church. Paul is going to talk about the role of women, leadership, preaching, and other subjects that directly impact the life of the church. But “first of all” he gives instructions about prayer. Prayer took priority for Paul in the life of the church. There wasn’t anything that he considered more important than prayer.

He started with a very tall order -- pray “for everyone.” Prayer will make a difference in the lives of the people around you, so pray for them. When you see needs in the lives of others, bring them to the Lord. Examine your own prayers to see if there is a focus on the needs of others, or are your prayers primarily focused on your own needs?

Especially pray for those in authority, for kings and other leaders. What they do will impact your life, but even more importantly, what they do will impact the spread of the Gospel! Your prayers can make a difference in the actions of your leaders! But they are ungodly, you say? So what, Paul’s king was Nero when he penned this letter and no modern king tops Nero in ungodliness -- so pray for them anyway!

Why pray? Because God wants men to be saved -- all men -- and prayer can help that happen. We don’t pray for peaceful and quiet lives just so our lives are more comfortable. We are to pray for those things so that the Gospel can be spread more easily!

And, as you pray, check your life and attitude, because your heart impacts the power of your prayers! Are your hands holy? Is your attitude toward others right?

His, by Grace,

Steve