The words of Paul to his son-in-the-faith Timothy have been ringing through my mind lately. They speak of the purpose and direction of our prayers--how we should pray and what we should pray for. The things Paul says are an exhortation and a command to the church Timothy was teaching at the time and an exhortation to us as well.
These words "supplications, prayers, and intercessions," while they do not have completely distinct meanings, can be understood to be all encompassing. All prayer must be made for men. But Paul reminds us too that whenever we bring our requests before God, we must also bring our thanksgivings. God has done so much for us, and we cannot neglect to give our gracious Savior thanks, for really, we deserve none of the amazing things He has done for us.
What ought we to pray for? "For all men, for kings and all who are in authority." Paul tells us that our prayers are not merely to be turned to ourselves, but to others, and specifically all who are in authority. Why are we to pray for them? "That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." When we pray those who are in authority (government leaders, pastors, elders, employers, teachers, and fathers), our goal in praying is that we might lively peacefully and godly lives. Think about it for a moment. When the leaders do their jobs well and according to the Word of God, fulfilling the duties to which they were appointed, then those of us who do not lead may live freely and peaceably. We will have no need to be afraid, but can freely live lives that line up with the Word of the Lord.
What does the Lord think about such requests? "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior..." This is not only a command from Paul, it is a command from the One to Whom we pray. I have often asked the Lord how I ought to pray, and here He has given us His answer: by praying for our leaders and those who are in authority--both Christian leaders and those who reject the truth.
In the statement, God "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth," we learn both of God's character and our goal in praying. It is God's desire that all men might be saved, and so as we pray for our leaders, our goal is to be salvation. When we pray "for all men," the saving of souls is always to be in our hearts and on our lips.
As we pray today, let our minds be turned back to this verse. Maybe you could write it out and stick it on the wall of your prayer closet, or in your Bible. Remember what the Lord has asked us to pray for: 1) leaders, and 2) the salvation of lost souls. When we bring these prayers, supplications, intercessions, and thanksgivings before our Lord, He will hear and be faithful to answer. Let us be faithful to ask!
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