PRAY FOR OUR LEADERS

PROCLAMATION

“I urge … 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.”  1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to Timothy, his son in the ministry, to provide him with directions and instructions. (1 Timothy 1:2)  In this pastoral epistle Paul exhorted Timothy to pray for all people, including the leaders and officials who had authority over them. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)  He said that God wanted all people to be saved and to know the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-6)  Then Paul gave Timothy instructions regarding role and behavior of men and women in the church. (1 Timothy 2:8-15)

 

APPLICATION

We all need prayer, and we should pray for one another. (James 5:16)  While we should pray for everyone, we should pray special prayers for our leaders, elected political officials, secular authorities, and religious leaders.  They need God’s help as their decisions and actions can have an effect the lives of believers.  They can make it difficult for us to live peaceful lives.  Some of them are trying to do the right thing but need help as they stand alone for that which is right.  Some of them can make honest mistakes while others have thoughts of planned malice and deception.  Some seek personal gain and the expense of the people that they should be serving.  Whatever the reason for the behavior, all of our leaders need our prayers.  

 

WE SHOULD CONTINUALLY PRAY FOR ONE ANOTHER

PROCLAMATION

“… We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that The Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of The Lord and please Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His might so that you may have great endurance and patience …”  Colossians 1:9-11 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written in a letter by the apostle Paul, under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God, to the believers in the church at Colossae.  Paul began this letter in his usual manner by introducing himself and offering a prayer for them. (Colossians 1:1-6)  Then he explains why he continues to pray for them. (Colossians 1:9-12)  He wants them to live a life which is pleasing to God.  He wants them to do good works which produce fruit for The Lord, and he wants them to grow in the knowledge of God and be strengthened by His power.  Then he tells them that The Son of God created all things (Colossians 1:15-17) and that He is the head of the church. (Colossians 1:18)  Christ reconciled them by His death on the cross. (Colossians 1:21-23)

 

APPLICATION

We all need prayer.  In fact, we are where we are, and who we are today because somebody prayed for us.  It may have been our mother or grandmother, our sister or brother, a relative or friend, a loved one or a preacher, but somebody, probably more than one somebody prayed for us, and they prayed for us more than once.  Likewise, as believers we ought to pray for one another.  There is power in prayer, and the sincere prayers of the righteous are very effective. (James 5:16)  Again, we all need prayer, and not only because of our current situation.  Each of us could benefit by learning more about The Word of God.  We all could also do a better job of doing things which are pleasing to God.  We all need His help and strength to make it through each day.  We also need to be grateful and thankful for that which we have already been blessed with. (Colossians 1:12-14)