Pray!

From the heart of Dr. R. L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Believers are called to pray for their nation, including its leaders and citizens, seeking God's guidance and blessing for the nation's well-being. Paul teaches believers, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:1-2). For those who may have convinced themselves that prayer really isn’t accomplishing much, let me say, prayer is doing something. Prayer will make a tremendous difference. The amazing fact is that the sovereign God has chosen to work in response to the prayers of His people. In verse 1 Paul uses four different words for prayer. The words reveal different needs that require prayer. Entreaties means prayer stemming from a sense of need. Sensing our lack and God’s sufficiency, our impotence and God’s omnipotence, should move us to pray. Prayers here refers to requests for needs that are always present, in contrast to specific needs like for more wisdom. Petitions means to converse freely; it pictures someone who can go into the presence of God at any time or in any place to talk with Him on behalf of others. Thanksgivings points to the fact that we must express not only our petitions, but our gratitude to God for His gracious answers. The point of all these words is that we have different needs at different times. But at all times we need God and, therefore, we need to pray. Not only do we need all kinds of prayer, but also we need to pray for all kinds of people. Paul says, “all men.” No person is too far gone, too lost in sin, whom God’s grace cannot reach. Nor is there any person so high and mighty, in a position of governmental authority, who does not need God’s grace. Apart from God, people are sinners who need to know God as Savior. Maybe you cannot speak to the person about God; but you can always speak to God about that person. Paul here singles out for prayers those in positions of authority in government. In his case, this included the cruel maniac, Nero, who later executed both Peter and Paul. Prayer is God’s means for removing tyrants and establishing peace. Thus the plan of God involves all kinds of prayer for all kinds of people. Be encouraged to pray!