1 Timothy 2:1-2, “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.”
What is your first most critical need right now? Something more substantial than simply a “desire.” Jeremiah 33:3 states, “Call to me and I will answer you, and tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” What don’t you know about this intense need?
A supplication is a request that becomes a prayer, recognizing the limits of yourself in contrast to the power of God, where you simply ask for something. As Paul taught Timothy, prayer should be a priority, and never stop praying for those who have not yet accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior. We must never stop asking God to meet that need “of all people.”
Our insane unsettling political times are continually on our minds. I have a customer who is originally from Ukraine. His in-laws are in Kiev. He lost contact with them earlier this week as they went into their bomb shelter, and his heart is heavy in concern for them. I told him I would be praying for his wife’s family, as he shared his heartache. When I see pictures of current events happening in Ukraine, I pray for their safety and that they will hear and know what Jesus Christ did on the cross for them to have eternal life.
It is noteworthy that Paul says to pray for kings, in 1 Timothy 2, because, during this time, Nero was the most sinful and corrupt ruler, especially against Christians, who he had tortured. Paul was confined to house arrest in Rome during Nero’s reign. Nero commanded his own mother to be killed. She was assassinated after an unsuccessful attempt to drown her in a boat that was constructed to fall apart into pieces and failed to do so. He also had his brothers and his wife killed. Nero announced himself as the first among God’s chief enemies. Yet Paul taught to pray for kings and those in authority. Nero committed suicide at the age of 30 just as he was about to be captured due to his own government replacing him in power. Christians were found blameless, despite his persecutions against them, and the people realized Nero used them to cover his crimes. Compassion for the followers of Jesus, who had innocent conduct, led to a new wave of conversions. Could this be possible in our time as well? Something to pray about.
Paul also urged that gratitude, “thanksgiving,” be expressed to God when you are in prayer to Him. That helps to refocus our heart and mind onto God and off of the circumstance. No matter what, God is in control. Pray out loud verses glorifying God and His power. “God, you are my refuge and strength! Your presence never leaves me. You are my only help in trouble. Therefore, I am secure in You, my fortress.” Psalm 46:1, is one example. A calm attitude will result due to God’s provision of peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
Paul taught Timothy to pray for kings and all in high positions. Jon Courson’s Application Commentary New Testament says it well: “What if we looked at politics today believing that it is God who is truly on the throne? Wouldn’t that be a radical concept for Christians? Yes, we have a responsibility to pray and to make supplications. But we are also to give thanks for all men no matter what side of the political spectrum they represent, for all rulers are used by God to fulfill prophecy and to accomplish His will ultimately.” That statement is something to digest. All leaders are subject to the God to whom we pray. For them to come under the hearing of the gospel should be our (my) continual prayer (Romans 13:6), all the while continuing to live a holy behavior, with integrity, before all people. Isaiah 57:21 declares, “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
The Message states 1 Timothy 2:1-3 this way, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.” So, learning from Paul’s encouragement and instruction to Timothy, what is the first thing we need to do today? Pray, make it your priority to pray for the saved, the unsaved, for enemies as well as friends, and those in authority. Draw near, speak intimately, asking God to meet needs. One day soon, Christ is returning. Matthew 24:36, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” Be ready.
Listen to Natlie Grant’s Praise You In This Storm (Official Lyric Video) 6/16/2020.