Today's Reading:O.T. - 1 Chronicles 20 - 21
N.T. - 1 Timothy 2
Focus Verses: 1 Timothy 2:1-6
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.
Insight:
Paul urges Christians to be people of prayer. He suggests that our prayers should include prayers for world and civic affairs; prayers for peace and stability for daily life; and prayers for God's people to lead holy lives. We can pray for all of these things in the confidence that they are good and pleasing to God. As we pray, we should also remember that God wants ALL people to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved. Jesus, who gave his life as a ransom for ALL, is the only one who can bring humankind to God. Truth and salvation are found in him alone.
Response and Action:
My daily prayers will include prayers for the men and women who are in positions of authority and leadership in the world - internationally, nationally, and locally. I will pray for a peaceful and stable world that gives Christians the opportunity to lead meaningful, quiet, and holy lives that are a testimony to the truth and salvation they have found in Christ. I will pray that ALL people would come to know the truth and be saved.
O God, you have made salvation available to all people. Thank you for helping me to know the truth of Christ and to find salvation in him. Bring peace and light into our world, through your people, your Word, your Spirit, and all that is beautiful and true. Move in the lives and the events of our world in ways that make peace, truth, and salvation available to everyone. Amen.
Proverbs: 9:10
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
Resources:
Praying: Finding Our Way Through Duty to Delight
by J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom
