“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1–2, ESV)
Is prayer a discipline of the faith that Christians faithfully engage? Do you pray like you should? Is interceding on behalf of others a habitual priority? Does prayer by faith in Jesus Christ really work? Or does prayer find its function as a superstitious good luck charm? This line of questioning is aimed at encouraging prayer, admonishing those who neglect prayer, and correcting ill conceptions about prayer.
The necessity of this is quite frankly due to those who speak about the power of prayer and its effect. Those same people often fail habitually in the discipline of prayer. And also for those who treat prayer as a talisman of luck. Prayer is neglected by these until it is brought out like a rabbit’s foot and used at stressing moments.
Don’t allow such a sharp rebuke to cloud your response. God’s Word calls His followers to pray without ceasing. Should we not then seek to grow in the discipline of prayer? The reality of the whole matter is that every Christian can grow in their discipline of prayer. The continuous discipline of praying, seeking, knocking will be blessed, but it isn’t easy.
Prayer is more than asking for what is wanted or needed for ourselves, but it is praying for major things outside of ourselves. Consider 1 Timothy 2:1-2, this passage presses us outside of ourselves. It calls Christians to pray for major things in the world. In this passage there are four types of request made known to God for all peoples, including kings and high position.
In the weeks to come we will engage with this passage and others like it so that we might engage in the matter of praying as we should. By the grace of God may we be a praying people that we would live peaceful and godly lives.
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