“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV)
I can only imagine what the world would be like if everyone obeyed these verses. Prayer is amazingly powerful. This past month I’ve prayed for someone with a critical spirit — it seems to be gone; for restoration of a relationship — they are now at least talking; and for a friend’s success in an exam — she is getting a third chance to pass the elements that she missed. When I pray, God changes people; God changes things.
These verses say to pray for “all” not just some. If everyone had someone praying for them? Could the world be devoid of complaining? Fighting? Failure? Maybe, but that is not exactly what God promises. He says if we pray, our lives will be quiet, peaceful, characterized by godliness (that includes far more than being content) and reverence. In other words, prayer brings us into a deeper relationship with God and into a greater sense of His glory. Prayer produces godliness and worship.
It could also bring others to the knowledge of the truth. Jesus is the truth — God wants people to know Him, and the way that can happen is through the prayers of His people.
This humbles me. God has no reason to save anyone; we have all rebelled against Him and resisted His love for us. Why should He save people who don’t want Him? Including me? Why should He partner with me in bringing others to the truth? He wants me to pray for them. He wants me to live a godly, worshipful life. By the grace of God, my prayers and my life can influence others — how amazing!
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