“1Fist of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” – 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (ESV)
With my prayer I should be lifting up all. I should be praying for the lowly and those in authority. I have to remember that God is God for all.
As I studied this morning in the commentary of my various versions of God’s Word, my New International Version (NIV) commentary for verse 2 above reminded me that prayer for those in authority is easy to remember in those difficult oppressive times and more alluding in times of prosperity and peace. I know that for me, I find that I am not as in tune with lifting up those in authoritative positions except when I concerned.
Paul reminds us that we are to be praying for all at all times. Regardless of the day or situation, we should be lifting everyone up to the Father. When I look at verse 2 above I see the last part as the reason why, “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way”. This lets me know that for me to get the most out of my time here in this world and do the work of Christ most efficiently and effectively, I need every advantage. I need to remember that even in peaceful times, I should be praying that those in authority continue to work according to God and in the interest of His glory and not their own. I have to lift them up in the good as well as difficult times. In the philosophy of leadership principles I have to “catch them doing something right” as opposed to only looking for the places where they can improve or do things “my way”.
For me to lead a peaceful, godly life I need to be aware and focused on praying for all. Not just those that are in my circle of influence, but all that are in my circle of concern as well as those not. I have to remember that those in authority are God’s children just as I am and need appreciation and lifting up also. When I pray for all, I am praying for “a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way”.
When you pray, what are the situations where you are praying for all, even those in authority? Are you only praying for those in authority only in times of need? What if we just prayed for all at all times, what difference would that make in our “peaceful and quiet, godly and dignified” lives?
Trevor's Thoughts 