Pray with gratitude

 

In Paul’s first recorded letter in scripture to Timothy, the Apostle Paul states in chapter 2 starting in verse 1; “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and for all 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.

What a beautiful passage of scripture and oh so very important for us today. We should

mediate upon the vastness of its meaning and put it’s meaning into action in our lives. Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray and Timothy is to pass this information on to others. We pray for ourselves, for others, but there must always be an attitude of thankfulness as we come before the throne of grace. We are to pray for all men but now Paul gets very specific. Pray for kings, which most certainly could be applied to the president, and for everyone who is in a position of authority. We are not called to grumble and complain about all they are doing wrong, but we are called to pray.

The purpose behind this is so that we can lead a quiet and peaceable life. However, we are not always living in quiet and peaceful times, which is very evident in our world and country right now. But we are always to live out our lives in all godliness and reverence. No matter what the situation we are in or the state of our country, pray and live in a manner that honors God.

Our friends, neighbors, and relatives are watching how we respond to all of the events that are unfolding daily in our country. Do we fly off in a fit of rage, making demands and continually complaining how bad things are, or do we humbly submit to the One who is over all. Christians are not to just roll over and have no concern for what is going on, but we are called to pray and to live our lives in reverence to Almighty God.

The heart of God is on display in the last verse; “He desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” His desire is for our heart to be on display as well, representing Him in all godliness and reverence.

 

Pastor Marty