By Kevin Harris, Pastor at the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Dapto, NSW
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4
This passage contains one of the two times in the Bible where we read that something is ‘good and acceptable’ to the Lord.
What is it that He enjoys? He loves it when we pray. And verse eight specifically calls on the men to pray, speaking of the male gender. We men are not to be passive observers but active leaders in prayer.
For whom are we to pray? He says, ‘all men,’ but especially our civil authorities. We are to give thanks for them and to intercede (to go to God on their behalf). We are to supplicate (ask Him to supply) and to pray.
What does the Lord single out as the prayer request? ‘that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.’ As they find Christians to be good and honest subjects, may they leave us alone to worship and serve God undisturbed.
Implied in verses 4 through 7 is that we may be undisturbed as we testify (verse 6) and preach and teach (verse 7) the gospel of Jesus Christ.
To summarise, God wants prayer to be a major aspect of our church’s worship services. He desires that godly, honest living characterise His people. We must live right so that we will have a good reputation to the glory of God, and we must pray that our governmental leaders will not hinder the proclamation of truth.
Father, we understand that many believers around the world are unable to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ without interruption by their leaders. Give them grace and keep them strong as they suffer for Christ. We pray for our nation’s leaders to leave us alone to lead quiet, unobstructed holy lives that honour Jesus Christ and testify of Him. From our prime minister, to our members of the Federal Parliament, to our state premiers and lord mayors, and all our representatives (elected and unelected), place it into their hearts to make wise decisions that will promote serenity, so that we might accomplish Your business without hassle. We pray this for Israel’s leaders at this time, as well as world leaders whose decisions affect many people. Work all things to the advancement of Your holy agenda. This we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This devotional was written by Pastor Kevin Harris of Dapto’s Illawarra Community Baptist Church, located approximately 15 minutes south of Wollongong.