I wish we still had kings...it just sounds way sweeter to have a King than a President...and WAY sweeter than a Prime Minister...one word or two? King just sounds so regal...so...manly. I serve the KING...not...I serve the Leader of the Conservative Party. Regardless of whom we serve, we are called to pray for them, and Paul clearly tells us why in this Passage from 1 Timothy.
1 Tim 2:1-4
Basically, Paul is urging us to pray for everyone, especially the leaders among us, because of the blessings that this will bring from a God whom we learn here is eager to save all.
Interesting to me that Paul breaks down our prayers for others into four categories: requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings. At first I wondered where confessions fit into the picture, but it seems to me that Paul is not urging us in our personal prayers, but rather our prayers for others, which I know for myself often fall to the wayside. It is easy to pray for me, I know me and like me and want to best for me. I can easily be lead to be a selfish pray-er, but here Paul is urging us to look around us and pray for everyone we have the privilege of knowing...and for some that is a pretty extensive list. Interesting that Paul points out authority figures in particular (Kings and those in authority over us). I find it easy to dichotomise my allegiance. I serve God, love God, respect and fear God...and not a lot of other people. Perhaps this a symptom of the rebellious generation I come from ("F" authority and all that good stuff), or maybe more likely it is simply a by-product of my sinful nature. I have always had a bit of a problem with authority and find it somewhat "cool" to dis it, escape it and mock it, but Paul is showing us here the importance of praying for authority figures in our life, meaning that they should hold a place of importance in our lives, leading us to pray for them. And, it should be pointed out that the goal/pay-off of prayers for our leaders is that we may live peaceful, quiet, godly and holy lives, lives that are good and pleasing to God...sounds pretty good to me.
Even though it is fun to stick it to "the man" once in a while...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I think that the reason that we pray for those in authority is what Paul says in other passages: that they have been ordained by God and that they have responsibility to wield the sword of justice. I am not fatalist (I think we have a responsibility to vote, to support and/or protest when appropriate) nor am I someone believes in the "divine right to rule" but I still believe that God is in control. How that all works itself out is still a mystery to me.
Dude, I feel your vibe on struggling with authority. I have been called to account in this area through this passage. Sometimes authority just ticks me off...By the way, does Paul mean I need to pray for authorities that are losers...the ones on power trips, the ones who are abusive? I suppose Peter might have something to say about that. God bless you dude. I hope your holiday is going well.
Sid
I really liked the idea of blevos because it, in theory, added the community aspect to "read your bible and pray everyday" that I believe was missing from personal devotions. I guess I still miss the community interaction...
Hey Scotty...your community needs your insights dude. Time to get back on the horse!!!! Ride em cowboy!!!
Sid
Passed on your comment to Andy. He will see you at the conference! I might see you too. Will you be leaving your girls at home or dragging them out here too?
Post a Comment