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1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. (1 Timothy 2:1-7 NRSV)
The people called Methodists, when a sect within the Church of England, were known as people of prayer. One example was a day when future first bishop in America, Francis Asbury and a friend spotted two girls and amazed at their beauty followed them on the street and it turned out the two girls were headed to a prayer meeting. They entered the meeting and when the preacher said it was time for prayer and everyone bowed their heads and closed their eyes, Francis peeked to see what prayer book he would use to the prayer. The custom was for most clergy to use the Book of Common Prayer, but his man did not reach for a prayer book, he prayed from his heart! This amazed the young Francis and wanted to know more about the faith of this preacher. Long story short, Francis Asbury became a believer and was soon ordained into the Methodist movement and then sent to the American Colonies where his leadership helped shaped The Methodist Church. Imagine praying from the heart?
The success of the Methodist movement, ultimately The Methodist Church was very much the result of a fervent prayer life of the people called Methodists. Prayer was Jesus' main focus for His own spiritual life and health. Jesus prayed, as the Bible says, "As was His custom," and it was prayer that the disciples asked Jesus to teach them. And it is prayer that the young Timothy writes about in this letter. Timothy urges believers to pray, in all forms of prayer, and he lists them: petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving, and this "for all people." Timothy includes kings and those who rule in authority, with the aim being to have "peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." Paul knows this pleases God, and stresses this to his young disciple, Timothy. This instruction highlights the communal aspect of our faith; we are called to bear one another’s burdens and lift each other up before God.
The call to pray for kings and those in high positions may feel challenging, especially when we disagree with their decisions or policies. Yet, Paul reminds us that prayer is a means of seeking peace and promoting godliness in our lives and communities. Through our prayers, we participate in God’s desire for all to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (v. 4).
Moreover, the reminder of Jesus as our mediator underscores the significance of our prayers. He is the one who bridges the gap between humanity and God, having given Himself as a ransom for all. In Christ, we find hope and purpose in our prayers, knowing that they are heard and have the power to effect change.
As we reflect on this passage, let us consider the impact of our prayers. Are we praying only for our needs and desires, or are we intentionally lifting others before God? Are we praying for those in authority, even when it is difficult?
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the gift of prayer and for the opportunity to intercede for others. Help us to be diligent in lifting our friends, family, and leaders before You, seeking their well-being and salvation. Remind us of the power of our prayers and the hope we have through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May our hearts be aligned with Your will, and may we seek peace and godliness in our lives and communities. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Recapture the power of prayer! This week, set aside specific time each day to pray for others. Choose individuals from your life, including friends, family, and those in leadership. Make a conscious effort to include prayers for your local and national leaders, asking for wisdom, guidance, and for their hearts to be turned toward God. Consider writing down your prayers as a way to stay focused and intentional.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
