First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time" 1 Timothy 2:1-6.
Prayer tops the list of priorities from the perspective of the elderly apostle Paul. He appeals to us to pray with a specific purpose. His appeal for all-inclusive prayer includes praying for government leaders. Notice the intent of those prayers: that we be kept free to lead tranquil and quiet lives; in essence, that government not encroach upon our freedom to live for the king and the kingdom.
Prayer must ever focus on God’s desire for the salvation of all people, and their understanding of truth. He passionately desires that we know who He is, and that we know His Son, our mediator, the man Christ Jesus. This is in harmony with Jesus’ prayer the night of His arrest and suffering, recorded in John 17:3 - “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
Our priority is all-encompassing prayer with a purpose. We are called to unite in praying these purpose-driven prayers: that government allow us the freedom to live for Christ and the kingdom, that we pray for those who are not saved, and for those who need to be enlightened as to God’s truth.
Imagine what can happen when we unite in praying with these purposes as our focus. Great spiritual renewal can result such as has not been seen in modern times. With thanksgiving being the pervading attitude as we pray, we see in advance, through faith, what God can and will do.
©Steve Taylor, 2023 --Used by permission
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