Sep 21. 1 Timothy 2. Zak and Alayna Hermans

Pray for the “Others”

We appreciated this opening paragraph from Paul which reminds us where our focus should be when approaching God. It is easy to have a “ME” mentality that concentrates on our wants and desires. However, Paul elevates the “OTHERS” - all people and especially those in authority. He surprisingly does not get wrapped up in any of the politics of the current leaders (which were just as volatile and controversial as they are today) but instead places the attention on asking to live peaceful and quiet lives while also helping all people to be saved. That is a hard pill to swallow! We are constantly bombarded by all that is wrong and evil in the world, especially when there is an endless list of all the wrongs and injustices that leaders and those in authority have committed. Is this really what/who we should be praying for? Is this fair? Why should we be praying for someone who we (potentially) disagree with so strongly? Why not go out and try to fix all of it instead?

While challenging, it is also relieving to admit that we are not the ones in control and can go to our Lord in humility with a simple list of petitions, knowing that he wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (v4). That, more than anything, is our purpose in life as disciples and pleases God.

Our prayer today is that believers can humble themselves and lift up their hands in unity without anger or dispute (v8), and petition God on behalf of our leaders, our neighbors, and all of humanity. Take our focus away from ourselves and place it on others. Please provide discernment and wisdom, allow us to continue living in peace and freely practicing godliness, and boldly speak the truth of Jesus in an effort to bring salvation to all people. The world is in a fallen state. The pain, suffering, and atrocities are real, but there is only one mediator between God and mankind, and that is Jesus Christ (v5). Amen.