First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, [2] for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. [3] This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who wishes all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth-1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMP.
Paul is begging and instructing us to pray for others in our lives. He leaves no one out! This includes ALL our elected representatives! Notice that he does NOT say if we agree with them!
Why does he say this, so that we will live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness with dignity? In other words, so that we can have God’s peace in our hearts regardless of our circumstances! When we pray the goal is that our hearts become like God’s heart. He’s not saying that we agree on everything, nor does he say not to do anything about injustices, wrongs, etc. As we are praying for those around us and elected to represent us, our hearts will change to be compassionate like God’s heart and we will be more likely to respond/react in a Godly fashion rather than sin in our anger! Remember what Jesus said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!” (John 8:7)
I know that I’ve done some pretty wicked things in my past and still continue to sin, especially in my thoughts and I’m so thankful for God’s Grace and Mercy! We seem to be all about justice for others and grace and mercy for ourselves. Sinners sin. They need God’s Mercy and Grace as much as we do, right!
This leads us to the other reason we should be praying, for their salvation! God can't be any clearer regarding His desire, His will, for ALL of mankind. He wants all of us to get saved and know His truth!! He doesn't leave anyone out, we only do that to ourselves, our choice, not His!!
Paul tells us that when we pray like this it is good, acceptable, and pleasing to our Savior! We’re told in many other places that grumbling and complaining, etc is NOT good, acceptable, and pleasing to our Savior! (Philippians 2:14) We’re to be angry at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior and not sin ourselves because of sin in the world around us. (Ephesians 4:26)
So we have a clear choice of how to be in God’s Will for our lives, pray for others, ALL others! And the reason, so that amidst a crooked and perverse generation, sound familiar, the Light of Christ will shine bright in the darkness around us offering EVERYONE the chance for God’s Grace and Mercy! (Philippians 2:14-16)
If we want to live our lives according to God’s will then we need to pray, get in God’s Word, and in fellowship with those who we can disciple with and serve The LORD with. (Matthew 28:19-20) Doing this will help us become more like Christ and then in turn we can go out into our world and be a light to ALL those around us. (Romans 8:28-29) Our lives can then help them realize that they are missing something, Jesus. (1 Peter 3:13-18) We need to make sure that those around us can be drawn to Him and we’re not doing anything that is pushing them away from Him! Christ died for all so that all could come to know Him! (John 3:16)
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, prayer requests, etc. We'd love to pray with and for you and to the best of our ability answer any questions you may have soley using God's Word!
Love y’all and LORD Bless,
Curt & Mary Jo
