Paul wrote this letter to instruct a young man (Timothy) in how to lead others. In the first chapter Paul urged young Timothy to focus on teaching and holding onto the truth. Chapter two begins:
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
He writes to pray, petition, and give thanks for ALL MEN… then he expounds on all men by specifying those in authority. Maybe that’s challenging for you in the climate we’re in today? I know it is for me. Let me help who this includes though:
-Pray for, petition on behalf of, and give thanks for democrats, republicans, and our president.
-Pray for, petition on behalf of, and give thanks for your unbelieving or imperfect husband.
-Pray for, petition on behalf of, and give thanks for your unbelieving or even immoral boss.
-Pray for, petition on behalf of, and give thanks for those in positions of leadership in our city and schools who may be unbelieving or immoral.
I can keep going, but the Bible says, “on behalf of ALL MEN”. And if you don’t know what to pray the Bible helps us there too, for “all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” We were prayed for when our lives resembled the sons of disobedience. Someone prayed for us! Let’s do the same for others.
Father, please help us to pray for others!
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.