Daily Bread 1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2
Instructions on Worship
1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time.

One of the first things Paul urges Timothy and the church to do, is to pray for those in authority, including kings. This acknowledges that all those in authority get their power from God, but God still wants us to intercede for them that they right govern rightly.

Then, in the next verse, Paul reveals an incredibly powerful truth, that God desires all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. This flies in the face of some who would say God has predestined some to eternal damnation. It shows us that God who created everyone, desires everyone to come to know Him through His Son.

Of course, we know some do not come to know God or the Truth, and in fact reject the Truth that is even plain to them through the Creation, Paul says in Romans 1. As we pray for those who have influence and authority, we pray not only would they govern according to God’s laws, but also that they might come to a knowledge of the Truth through Jesus. Then, they will be able to govern rightly out of a pure heart.

In our church, each we pray for our President and other elected leaders each week in worship together. It would be good for us to add this to our own daily personal prayers. And also it would make sense then to pray for the upcoming elections that those who would govern rightly and be open to God’s wisdom would be elected into office.

Dear Jesus we pray for all those in authority including our President and other members of the federal, state and local governments. Grant that they might come to know you the author of all life and the source of all wisdom. Amen.

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