Tue 12May09: 1Timothy 2: 1-9 NIV
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority v1,2
In this pastoral letter, the apostle urges the believers in Timothy's church to ask, pray, intercede and give thanks for everyone, particularly for rulers and authorities. He considers this a high priority, for he uses the words, "first of all". Paul wanted the church at Ephesus, whom he left under the care of Timothy when he travelled onwards to Macedonia, to make give their foremost attention to such prayers. Not just any prayer, but prayer for people, especially for kings and those in authority.
That must be their Prayer Item Number One.
And our yearning in these prayers? "That we may live quiet and peaceful lives in godliness and holiness." verse two says.
Has there been much disquiet in our lives recently, especially concerning those who rule and who are in authority over us? Let us pray, and intercede, and give thanks for them. In doing so we aspire to lead godly and holy lives, peacefully and quietly in this land through which we sojourn.
This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. v3-6
Dear Christians, let us likewise urge one another to pray for "everyone" in our churches. In particular, let us pray and intercede for our kings and ministers and representatives who are in authority, including those who, lately, are in contention for authority.
Let's make this our Prayer Item No. One.
