August 2
“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.
The apostle Paul gives an exhortation for private and public prayer. He writes of various types of prayers. He speaks of supplications – that is, prayers that flow from the heart recognizing the specific needs of others. We should pray for those who have specific hurts and heartaches and who are burdened with numerous trials and difficulties.
He speaks of prayers in general. Prayer is a heart-to-heart talk with God. Any and every topic, situation, and subject should be placed before the throne of the almighty God, who invites us to pray and who promises to hear and answer our prayers.
In our prayers, we should intercede not only for ourselves, but also for all others. Especially let us remember the words of the Lord Jesus spoken in the Sermon on the Mount encouraging us to pray even for our enemies and those who mistreat us: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,” Matthew 5:44.
We should especially remember to give thanks to God for the many blessings showered upon us and others for both body and soul and for time and eternity. Search the Book of Psalms, the Prayer Book of the Bible, and note how often we are told, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever,” Psalm 118:1.
The apostle urges us to pray for all people, and he makes special mention of kings and all who are in authority. The people in government need our prayers so that we might have a quiet and peaceful life. Remember God’s promise: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land,” 2 Chronicles 7:14.
In your prayer life, remember that God “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” God earnestly desires the salvation of all, and so we should pray, work, and witness to others of God’s great love revealed in Christ Jesus, the only Savior for all sinners. Pray for opportunities to witness of the Savior to others, and pray for the Lord’s blessing upon your witnessing.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye, When none but God is near.
O Thou by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way,
The path of prayer Thyself hast trod – Lord, teach us how to pray. Amen.