“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, 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. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4 AMP
Prayer is two-fold. Not only is it a request to God, but is also a request made by God.
We should never ask whether or not we ought to pray. We should never question whether or not God hears us when we pray. We should never wonder if we are worthy enough to pray. We should never dismiss praying because of the feeling, belief or excuse that we don’t know how to pray.
The scripture says that God desires that all people be saved and come to know the truth. The devil will use any opportunity to talk us out of praying, and if we believe it, we will devalue the truth of the word of God that has the power to bring us to salvation.
That truth is to recognize Jesus as the head over our lives and honor the request made to us by God by making a request to God through Jesus who completes our petitions.
It’s that simple. Prayer opens the dialog of relationship with the power of words that are manifested through the spirit of God. This action is so important that it validates the very first commandment that tells us that we should have no other gods before him. If we put God first, then his request to us will be of utmost importance to us. And when we do what is good, acceptable and pleasing to God the word says that we will live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. Can you imagine what the prayers of all people would do to our community, our nation, our world? How, because the prayers that we are requested to pray are prayers that have a rippling, trickling effect, that flows from the head down.
Have you ever watched your favorite basketball team and prayed for them to win? When you prayed, did you pray for their shoes that tramples the ground as they pounded their feet down the court? Or how about their socks that were the victim of drenched sweat, and heated friction? I bet those things never crossed your mind. Even though those things are invaluable, and practically no game has ever been won without the stability, traction, and cushion of their sneakers, or the protection, temperature, and moisture control of socks, at the end of the day, it is the head that causes the whole body to be utilized according to their gifts, talents, and purpose. It is the head that changes the atmosphere, influences our experiences, and shapes opportunities. It is the head that wears the crown of responsibility and the oath of promise. When we pray for the head, meaning those in authority, we are essentially covering all who are affected by governed by it.
The peace and quiet life that the bible speaks of in godliness and dignity is a freedom from disturbance and stress which is in essence, Joy (pleasure, delight). Philippians 2:1-2 AMP says, “Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].”
With our prayers in one accord, lives will not only be changed but ultimately saved.
Be Blessed,
G.M.
G.M. Sunshine 