Episode 81: 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Transcription
Today’s verse is 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Let’s pray together.
Father, I am thinking about prayer today and how it is so much more than talking with You. Yes, it is that. It is wonderfully that. Prayer can be simple and fun and light and as easy as talking to a friend. But I know that You have also fashioned prayer into a weapon and a tool and a way for us to partner with You in the kingdom work You have set out for us to do. So I pray I will remember that and I will not shirk from it when You have it for me.
I like, God, that You ask me to pray for everyone and then for individuals. But when I pray for everyone, I partake in something so much bigger than myself. I am reminded that I am part of a whole collective in the human race and what we do and how we live and everything about us has an effect on each other. When I pray for all people, for kings, for those in authority, I pray for people who impact my world, the people I love, and what happens in my times. Even for far off places and events, I am still involved and I still have a say, because I can pray.
So, Jesus, remind me to pray and teach me how to pray. Teach me to be thoughtful and mindful of Your will. Help me to know what is in the hearts and minds of my fellow men and help me to surrender it to Your will. Give me the words, Holy Spirit, pray and intercede through me with words I may not even understand. But help me to be as effective as possible, in obedience to You, and praying with the authority You have given me on earth.
Jesus, I pray for godliness and holiness. I pray for peaceful and quiet lives. I pray that those who rule and reign make godly decisions, in obedience to You. I pray they know Your truth and that they live it and help make it a reality for those they serve. I pray that integrity and wisdom and discernment would prevail in all governments and leadership. Please, LORD, remove evil and dishonesty and control and fear and ineptitude from our governing people. Help us on this earth to follow You and to only put people into authority who will follow You.
I want to please You, God. I want to know that Your truth is being acknowledged, that I savor it and relish it and follow it. I pray that You would save us all. Please help this whole world to come to a knowledge that You are real and You are good and You are our Creator and King. I pray that the world will worship You in humble adoration. I pray that no one is left behind, that no one turns from You. I pray that You unstop ears and soften hearts and open eyes and breathe Your word of truth into every soul. May the Holy Spirit be unhindered in His work. Please undeceive the lost and the abandoned and the bound. Please release people who don’t know You from the grips of the devil. I pray for salvation today. I pray for truth to prevail.
Jesus, I know You are in control. I know You have never been surprised by what happens. I know You do not live in time. But I do. The people I love do. We don’t know the future and the future is looming and scary. Please help me to trust in You. Please help me to realize I can’t live my life on my own, according to my own desires. What I’ve learned through my life will never cut it. I have to have You as my constant guide and help.
Please, Father, help me to live a good and pleasing life, one that honors You. May others see that and acknowledge the truth that I have been with You. And may they want what I have. May all I am be used in service for You, a witness and testimony to Your greatness. Save people through me, LORD. Use me. Continue to use me. And help me to pray. Help me to pray Your words, Your desires, Your will into the world.
I pray this in Your name, Jesus. The highest name of all. Amen.
