Anchor Devotional

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Praying for Others

“I urge … that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Paul calls God’s people to be regularly praying for others, doing so with requests, intercessions, and thanksgiving. Going from broad to specific, he tells Timothy to lead God’s people in prayer “for everyone.” I suspect that you are like me, finding it easy to pray for those you love and care about. Paul knew we’d need a reminder to pray for people in positions of authority, ones who are not exactly at the top of our prayer lists.

At the time of my writing, the United States has just voted in a new president, so praying for him and other elected officials has been front and center. God wants us to be praying for our rulers, that He who placed them in office will also govern how they govern. When we pray for the authorities, it changes us. As we lift them up, it becomes more difficult to be harsh and embittered, even if we disagree with their decisions.

Your faithful prayers for others will align your heart with God’s heart, will humble you before Him, and will move you towards a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
1 Timothy 2:1-4

INSIGHT
Father, we pray for our rulers. Strengthen those who know You; bring to Christ those who do not. Cause them to govern with justice and wisdom. Amen

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
1 Samuel 17
Psalm 128
2 Corinthians 9-10

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