(Praying For People Everywhere Is Important)
TO THE BIBLE: 1 Timothy 2:1 NIV
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.”
LET’S TALK
A few years ago, while talking to the Lord, I had some questions on my mind. Why did it seem like the world was going in a wrong direction in spite of much preaching by ministries and churches?
Why was there so much trouble in the world and very little peace? The Lord soon began to show me some things.
He directed me to 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV, which says, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Here, He shows us what to prioritise as we pray.
We all want to lead quiet and peaceable lives; we want honesty in our societies. But for all that to happen, the Scripture tells us what we must do: pray for all people, for kings, and for all who are in authority.
God wants us to pray like this “first of all”; in other words, as a priority. It’s a divine instruction.
As the Church of Jesus Christ, we can’t ignore this instruction and expect to have peace or honest men and women to lead our societies.
The Lord’s instruction is clear; we must deliberately gather to pray for all men and all the different categories of leaders in our societies: presidents, governors, mayors, heads of schools, heads of major influential institutions and more.
If we pray more this way, God’s righteousness will be established in our nations, cities and communities; and all forms of evil, turmoil, wickedness and terror will be thwarted. If you haven’t learnt to pray this way, begin today.
Intercede in prayer and give thanks, first of all, for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority, before you pray for or about other matters.
Go Deeper
Jeremiah 29:7; Luke 18:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMPC
Pray:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Spirit that guides me to pray aright and pray effectively. Even now, I pray for all men; for kings, and those in authority in the nations of the world; thanking you, that your righteousness prevails in their hearts. All over the world, the lives of people are being transformed by the power and influence of the Gospel, resulting in the glorious salvation of many, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Titus 1-2, Jeremiah 29-30
TWO YEAR
James 3:1-18, Ezekiel 29
Act:
Throughout your day, spend time in prayer for those in your world and beyond.