1 Timothy 1:1-2
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.
Unprecedented times call for unprecedented prayer. But how should we pray? In the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he sheds much needed light on a subject that has grown dim for many of us: prayer.
1) Pray for our leaders
Our global, national, and local leaders are in pivotal positions of influence. Their decisions have a trickle-down effect which shapes the daily life of millions of people. As our nation fights the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the crucial decisions are being made by state governors and our city mayors; they need our prayers! Whether we agree with our leaders politically or not, we ought to pray for them. The irony of Paul’s admonition to pray “for kings and all those in authority” is that Paul most likely wrote these words when Nero was Emperor. We should pray for those in authority to have wisdom from God and the strength of character to govern with integrity and selflessness.
2) Prayer accomplishes something outside of us.
Paul said the result of praying for our leaders is “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives.” It is amazing to think the peace of our community is related to the prayers of God's people. As our neighbors wrestle with worry and fear, may we remember to offer up “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving.”
3) Prayer accomplishes something inside of us.
Not only does prayer have the power to shape the world outside of us, it has the power to shape the world inside of us. As you pray, ask the Lord to lead you into a greater understanding of what it means to live “in all godliness and holiness” even in this time of chaos.
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