FIRST THINGS FIRST

1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NLT)

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 the truth.

Today’s passage of scripture is so loaded with a profound set of instructions on prayer that I’d like to break it down for you. Notice how we’re told the first thing to do when we enter a prayer closet. The instruction is to FIRST OF ALL, pray for ALL people with no reservations. So, you’re not rushing to pray for yourself first; you intercede for others. The next prayer is for those in positions of authority, kings, rulers of nations, etc.; notice, it doesn’t say pray for your preferred political party or leader – pray for all of them.

There are benefits to those prayers, and the scripture points these out right away. It says that when we do this, we live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. Praying this way pleases God, too. Remember, every soul matters to God, and it pleases Him when you put others first and intercede for them. Salvation is for everyone—pray for someone now.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION

From today, I shall pray for others more than ever before. I speak blessings, wisdom and peace to all kings and all who are in authority in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

FURTHER STUDY 

Jeremiah 29:7