PRAY FOR EVERYONE

Today is the National Day of Prayer in the United States, a day in which we focus on praying for the nation. This is a good and honorable practice. But it should not be the only time we pray for our country.

The Apostle Paul wrote to his younger apprentice instructions for faith nad for ministry. In his first letter to Timothy, he wrote these words:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

(1 Timothy 2:1-4, NKJV)

Pray for everyone to have peace with God and men.

The Way to Pray

Paul gave Timothy several types of prayers to offer up. Supplications are prayers in which we petition God for something. Prayers in general should be offered up for others. Intercessions are prayers in which we pray on behalf of others. Prayers of thanks should be offered up for others also; we thank God for the person, or thank Him for His work in their life. All of these prayers are similar with subtle differences.

Who We Pray For

Paul told Timothy to pray for all men - for everyone. He also specifically told Timothy to pray for kings and those in authority. Paul's "all men" included powerful leaders also. Although they may be rich and powerful, they still need God's intervention in their lives.

What to Pray

Paul told Timothy to pray that we may lead a peaceful life, a Godly life, and a respectful life. A lifestyle of peace, Godliness, and respect benefits everyone. We should pray for this for all people. This peace, Godliness, and respect should be directed toward people and God. In fact, Paul reminded Timothy that God desires everyone to be saved, know the truth, and live in peace with Him and people. This can only happen through faith in Jesus Christ, who died to pay for our sins on the cross, rose from the dead, and offers eternal life to everyone who will turn from their sins and put their trust in Him. So we should pray that God will save people. Peace with God will make all other peace possible.

Why We Should Pray

Paul told Timothy that this kind of prayer is good and acceptable to God. If we love God, we should want to do what is good and acceptable to Him. We demonstrate our love for God by doing the things that please Him.

Do you have peace with God and others?

Do you pray for all people to have peace with God and others?