"First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
When was the last time you prayed? Like really prayed? When was the last time you had a genuine conversation with God that was not pressured or scripted by the people you are praying around? When was the last time your prayer just started with talking to God instead of a proper, "Dear Lord..."?
When was the last time your prayers just ventured off into praying for specific needs of people in your life who are suffering or dealing with rough situations? When was the last time my prayers were not only centered around me?
Paul is urging Timothy to pray ALL KINDS of prayers for ALL KINDS of people. People in authority (When was the last time you prayed for your president instead of complained about him?) People in your church. People who are lost. People who are on the mountain. People who are in the trenches.
This pleases God because God desires that ALL people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus.
Here are some things I like to remember from this short passage:
It benefits the believer to pray for others. "...that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness."
Don't only pray for those you see worthy of your prayers. "...be made for everyone."
Pray specific prayers. "...Petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings."
Don't be afraid to pray BIG things. Let's take God out of the box we created for Him and ask Him to do marvelous things we can't even begin to explain!
