FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
OUR THEME FOR 2022
(Part 7)
INTERCESSION
September 13, 2021
Today’s reading:
1 Timothy 2:1-8
We pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances, not only for our own sakes, but for the benefit of others. “First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.” (v.1). Can you imagine how it would be for those who do not know how to pray or give thanks to God? Oftentimes, those who do pray and give thanks are the ones to help fill the void. And of course, what others do will affect us as well. So we pray for ourselves, but we should also pray for others, so that their actions will not be deleterious to us.
Foremost among those we pray for are governing officials. We pray “for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” (v.2). This is so needed today, when corruption in government is the norm and chaos reigns in many nations. We pray for those who are bad, that they might do good, and we pray for those who are good, that they would persevere in their principled actions on behalf of the people.
And our prayer should not only be that they do good, but that they be converted to Christ. At the end of the day, this is the intent of our prayer, that all would come to know Christ and to live Christ. “This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” (v.3-4). We may not be able to invite everyone to our programs, or be in a direct position to speak to and evangelize them, but we can always pray for them.
Of course we must never neglect our calling to proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth, to try to make disciples of the nations. All of us, like Paul, are in some way “appointed preacher and apostle, teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.” (v.7). People, nations and the world will only change for the better when they encounter the living God.
For us to be effective intercessors and effective evangelizers, we must ourselves be grounded and centered on Jesus. Before looking to others, we look to ourselves. “It is my wish, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or argument.” (v.8). The women too of course. All are called to holiness, purity of heart and total surrender to God.
So we pray without ceasing. As we intercede for others, we turn their lives over to God, just as we have turned our lives over to Him. As such, whatever happens, we can remain thankful in all circumstances. Knowing the all-powerful God is in charge, we are also able to rejoice always.
