Lord, help us refocus

HELP US PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE (1 Tim. 2:1)

Paul said, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1, NKJV).

Although God is all-powerful and all-knowing, He invites us to change the world through prayer (Mt. 6:8-13). The variety of terms used in this passage emphasizes the richness of this spiritual exercise.

This passage reminds us to pray for “all people.” This includes the good, bad, and the ugly (cp. Mt. 5:44; Lk. 23:34; Ac. 7:60; 1 Tim. 1:18-20). Lord, help us understand the importance of lifting up all people to you in prayer.

HELP US PRAY FOR OUR NATION (1 Tim. 2:2)

Paul said, “for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (1 Timothy 2:2, NKJV)

Paul asked the church to pray for Nero, a notoriously cruel ruler, and other pagan leaders. Our prayers are not contingent on whether we voted for them or agree with them.

God forbid we speak idle, unseasoned, or slanderous words against those ordained by God (Mt. 12:36). We are to support the government, not rebel against it (Rom. 13:1–6; 1 Pet. 2:13–25). Lord, may we pray for our leaders, not just in times of national crisis, but every day.

HELP US REFOCUS (1 Tim. 2:3-7)

Paul said God, “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4, NKJV)

The quiet and peaceable life we live in all godliness and dignity could potentially lead others to Christ (cp. 1 Pet. 2:12; 3:9). [Maybe Paul was onto something here? We pray for our leaders and our godly, respectable way of life may lead to their salvation.]

Those in authority are not our saviors—they need saving. God wants all to understand the truth of the gospel and obey it (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Lord, help us refocus on leading people to Jesus instead of pushing them away.

Benediction:

May we strive to be men and women of prayer. May we understand God will supply our needs, consider our requests, and intercede on our behalf when we talk to Him in prayer. May we pray for our leaders, not just in times of national crisis, but every day. May the content of our prayers be worded in such a way that is respectable and may they grant us a way to continue to live quiet, peaceable, godly, and reverent lives. May we repent of speaking evil of dignitaries and pushing people away from the gospel because of our political views. Lord, help us refocus on leading people to Jesus instead of pushing them away. “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Romans 16:20, NKJV)