“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
Who, in authority, can I pray for today? I’ll name a few: My husband. Pastor. Elders and deacons. Mayor. The boss. Representatives of our state. Governor, Lt. Governor. US Representatives and Senators. Judges. Our President. World leaders. Who else is in authority over you? The Lord wants us to humbly bow before Him and pray. Why? So that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is His request for His own children to perform. Yes, it takes time. It takes focused attention. Are you willing?
- Requests: Has anyone asked you to pray for something specific lately? Write it down and diligently pray. Then pray again tomorrow. Are you writing down those requests on a piece of paper and compiling them….in your planner, on a notebook paper in your bible or in a prayer journal? I hope so. And it pleases the one asking for the prayers when you later ask about the situation. They always smile because they were affirmed.
- Prayers: You name it! There is always something, someone, somewhere, situations, strategies, safeties….to pray for. Ask the Lord. His love for us is insurmountable. He wants to be involved in our lives….the minute to the massive! Talk to Him. Ask Him to help and to heal.
- Intercession: What is intercession, exactly? I think of a mother in the midst of giving birth; the elderly who cannot fend for themselves or pray any longer; the relative far away who has suffered an aneurysm; the baby with a fever of 104 degrees; the drug addict who hates his life; the brother who just lost his job; the college student who is overwhelmed with his load; the school bully who doesn’t have a friend; the childless couple who has tried everything to get pregnant; the parents who are working 3 jobs to keep food on the table, the sister who can’t seem to get rid of cancer; the disabled; the discouraged; the unloved wife and the alcoholic; They desperately need our prayers for their lives…..and our love.
- Thanksgiving: How thankful are you this day? If life isn’t going so well for you, I guarantee that when you start “counting your blessings”, the mood changes. The attitude and outlook become less heavy and the focus becomes gratefulness and thanksgiving. It can even put a smile on your face! 🙂 One place to begin is…..The Lord and His attributes. This focus, alone, takes a few minutes because His attributes are mind-boggling! And to think that the God of the universe wants to be intricately involved in my life………..well, it sort of blows me away. He is the One who designed relationship. Yes. It’s a really big deal. We were made for Him. He so wants a personal relationship with us! And…..He wants us to be involved with each other. Praying for one another keeps us on our toes about our interest in those around us. From our family, to our neighbors, to our local body of believers to our community, our state, our nation and our world.
“This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men…..the testimony given in its proper time. “
Where is this scripture from? It’s found in I Timothy, chapter 2, verses 1 through 6. Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy, a young pastor at this new church in Ephesus…….in the area of Turkey today. But this word of the Lord is for believers today, all over the world. God’s words, written so long ago…..yet so relavent for us today. Once again….mind-boggling!
What else will I be doing today? Watching some city grandchildren. I’m just certain there will be a combine ride or two, with some snacks to take along…………….hmmmmmm………….better turn on the oven and find a favorite cookie recipe!
Looking forward to this day. How about you?
Oh Lord, Your love for us is amazing! Help me to love and have a grateful heart for those I encounter this day. Thanks for being an AWESOME Father who wants the very best for us! In Jesus Name……..Amen
Good morning, Cousin! Loved your devotion, again! Along the lines of having a better attitude when you give thanks, I attended a women’s health conference Friday with a wonderful speaker who gave tips for improving your attitude. She said “what you say comes your way” and recommended for the first 2 hours of every day, if anything annoying or bad happens (spilled your coffee, cut off in traffic, etc.) just say to yourself, “It’s a good thing I’m in a good mood.” It helps program your mind for the rest of the day. Have a great day!
Hi Cousin,
Thanks for your encouraging me! Love what you heard at the conference. Now if I could seer that into my memory and keep telling myself to act that way, even though I don’t feel like it, I’m sure life would be a lot easier to deal with! LOL
Thanks for supporting us, dear cousin to the south. 🙂
Denise