“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”
1 Timothy 2:1-3
“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.” These prescient words of Billy Graham come to mind today as I read news of our nation. I am led to ask, “How am I praying for our nation and for the world?” “How are churches and Christians praying?”
As we watch a nation divided against itself, the near assassination of a former president, and the Olympic Games’ mocking parody of our Lord and His Last Supper, we might ask, “What can we do?”
Today’s scripture is taken from the apostle Paul’s letter to a young pastor, Timothy, instructing him how to do church amidst a hostile world. This letter is the time-tested, must-read church manual for every church and Christian. Significantly, the first thing Paul puts on our agenda is prayer! “First of all” (Greek: Proton panton), Paul says, emphasizing priority and importance over all other. “First of all”, urges prayer for kings and all those in authority. Why? Because their policies and actions profoundly affect everyone’s life.
In making it our priority to pray for those in authority we not only seek their good but also our own. We want to freely practice our faith and live out our Christian values. We pray for kings, presidents, prime ministers and all those in high places so that we might be part of God’s redeeming work in the world. Corrie ten Boom said it so well: “The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible.”
The apostle Paul’s words are not a gentle suggestion but divine instruction: pray! Let us ask our pastors amidst busy church calendars to “First of all” lead in prayer for our nation and world. Let us encourage fellow Christians, “First of all” to pray. And, let’s you and me give ourselves to prayer, the kind of prayer that founded this nation and once made it a Gospel beacon to the world. After all, Paul instructs: “This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
Scottish reformer John Knox is remembered for his fervent prayers for revival and renewal in Scotland. Queen Mary I of England, often referred to as “Bloody Queen Mary”, said of John Knox: “I fear the prayers of John Knox more than all the assembled armies of Europe!” His faithful prayers changed history! Let us be found faithful in getting our nation on its feet by getting down on our knees! Our Lord Jesus did say that we “need to pray always and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1).
A fellow traveler,
Tim
