READING: 1 Kings 7, 2 Chronicles 4, Psalm 44, 1 Timothy 2
Prayer – it is, at least by my anecdotal evidence in talking with believers for many years, the most difficult spiritual discipline to develop. Perhaps that’s because we default into dependence on self rather than dependence on God. Maybe it’s because we’re “fixers” by nature who try to take care of everything in our own power. It might be because few of us have had pastors or others who’ve intentionally taught us to pray. Whatever the reason for our struggle, we can’t ignore the Bible’s recurrent call to pray.
First Timothy 2, in fact, pushes us in that direction. Indeed, Paul’s words could perhaps be no clearer: “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone” (1 Tim 2:1) and “I want the men in every place to pray” (1 Tim 2:8). Paul was particularly concerned that believers pray for those in authority, perhaps indicating that the first-century believers often struggled praying for those who stood against them. The end goal of the praying was that God be pleased as people are saved.
Today, I’m reminded that I need to make these commitments:
- Pray more for government leaders, especially during the COVID crisis. My commitment is to pray for the US President and our NC governor each day.
- Pray for global leaders who influence many countries and peoples. My commitment here is to pray for one global leader each day.
- Pray that God would work through them somehow so others might hear and respond affirmatively to the gospel.
PRAYER: “God, keep my focused on this commitment to pray.”
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Kings 8, Psalm 30, 1 Timothy 3