Who Is In Authority Over You
1 Timothy 2: 1-4 "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand truth."
Pretty straight forward right there! We are to pray for ALL people, not just those we know and love, but for ALL people. Then here is the kicker, we are to "intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them" - What?! So, the person I pass on the street looking all grumpy, focused, and into themselves? Yup! The person on the freeway that just cut in and out of traffic being impatient with others? Yup! The person at the grocery store loading up their cart with unhealthy options? Yup! The young, old, and in-between - ALL of them! It doesn't have to be deep, long, and super detailed. Simple and to the point. The person speeding through traffic: "Oh Father, I thank you for that person driving crazy. They are one of your children. Even if they do not yet know you. I ask, that you get them where they are going safely and without hurting anyone, including themselves. Thank You Jesus for how you will bless them today. I pray in Jesus name, amen."
Ok, the next part, could be a bit longer, but it too can be short and to the point as well. We are to pray for ALL of those people in positions of authority. ALL of them! For their sake and ours, so that we can live with dignity and godliness - these are outward things that show towards others. To have inner peace and quietness - wow, can you imagine?!?! But, also, can you imagine: we start praying for the 'rulers' of ALL nations, even the ungodly ones. We start praying and asking God to bless them with a right relationship with Him, that they would change their ways and become godly people and leaders. That the people they rule over, will follow God's direction and pray for their leaders' hearts too. That they would ALL seek God and His will.
Now, bring it in to locally around us. Praying for those in our neighborhood that have authority over us. Again, it doesn't have to be long and drawn out, but we DO need to pray for them. Simply, we are to pray that they be saved and understand truth. Simple, direct and to the point. Yes, if we can name each one by name, that would be great - however, just naming the position of authority over us is good too.
Today, perhaps we can use the ABC's to help us again. Going thru them and praying for people in positions that start with the letters of the alphabet. A: administrators, B: bankers, C: caretakers, D: desk clerks at courthouse, E: emergency technicians EMT's, F: firemen and women... you get the picture. Just let God pop people and positions in your head, then pray for them! This should be something we do ongoing throughout the whole day. Don't be surprised when you have someone pop in your head, and then a specific need to pray for them! That's the Holy Spirit working on their behalf, allowing us to be a part of the intercession on their behalf. Pretty amazing!! Have a GREAT day! I'm praying for you to be safe and well, and to make wise choices in all that you do. Jesus LOVES you, and THAT is the truth! Have a GREAT day!
Pretty straight forward right there! We are to pray for ALL people, not just those we know and love, but for ALL people. Then here is the kicker, we are to "intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them" - What?! So, the person I pass on the street looking all grumpy, focused, and into themselves? Yup! The person on the freeway that just cut in and out of traffic being impatient with others? Yup! The person at the grocery store loading up their cart with unhealthy options? Yup! The young, old, and in-between - ALL of them! It doesn't have to be deep, long, and super detailed. Simple and to the point. The person speeding through traffic: "Oh Father, I thank you for that person driving crazy. They are one of your children. Even if they do not yet know you. I ask, that you get them where they are going safely and without hurting anyone, including themselves. Thank You Jesus for how you will bless them today. I pray in Jesus name, amen."
Ok, the next part, could be a bit longer, but it too can be short and to the point as well. We are to pray for ALL of those people in positions of authority. ALL of them! For their sake and ours, so that we can live with dignity and godliness - these are outward things that show towards others. To have inner peace and quietness - wow, can you imagine?!?! But, also, can you imagine: we start praying for the 'rulers' of ALL nations, even the ungodly ones. We start praying and asking God to bless them with a right relationship with Him, that they would change their ways and become godly people and leaders. That the people they rule over, will follow God's direction and pray for their leaders' hearts too. That they would ALL seek God and His will.
Now, bring it in to locally around us. Praying for those in our neighborhood that have authority over us. Again, it doesn't have to be long and drawn out, but we DO need to pray for them. Simply, we are to pray that they be saved and understand truth. Simple, direct and to the point. Yes, if we can name each one by name, that would be great - however, just naming the position of authority over us is good too.
Today, perhaps we can use the ABC's to help us again. Going thru them and praying for people in positions that start with the letters of the alphabet. A: administrators, B: bankers, C: caretakers, D: desk clerks at courthouse, E: emergency technicians EMT's, F: firemen and women... you get the picture. Just let God pop people and positions in your head, then pray for them! This should be something we do ongoing throughout the whole day. Don't be surprised when you have someone pop in your head, and then a specific need to pray for them! That's the Holy Spirit working on their behalf, allowing us to be a part of the intercession on their behalf. Pretty amazing!! Have a GREAT day! I'm praying for you to be safe and well, and to make wise choices in all that you do. Jesus LOVES you, and THAT is the truth! Have a GREAT day!
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