November 4, 2015
A compelling WHY is essential to WHAT. Purpose gives meaning to procedure. In particular, the purpose of prayer enlightens us as to the WHAT and HOW of prayer.
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2.1-2)
These words alone add one more thing to our Christian “to do” list; a duty to be performed. All kinds of thankful prayer should be offered for all people: a very tall order. But, what follows is the important WHY: “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2.2). At first glance, it appears that Paul wants us to pray for all people so that none will trouble us; so we can live lives of ease. But, if we stop with this, we still haven’t fully discovered the WHY of prayer: “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. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2.3-6)
The “tranquil and quiet life” we pray that we might be allowed is such that we be unrestrained as we go about gospel work. God’s great purpose is for all people be saved and enlightened by the truth of the one God, and the mediatorial work of His human Son. That purpose is important enough for us to pray for the freedom to be up and about doing it.
Prayer often consists of remembering the sick, and seeking help for a pressing problem or need (which certainly are not wrong). But, prayer that does not seek opportunity and freedom for gospel work is prayer that has not gone far enough. If it is our Father’s will for the salvation and enlightenment of others, that should be our will and passion as well.
Prayer is not a substitute for action, but rather a conduit for it. Prayer provides the unction and passion for our Father’s priority, and appropriates the power to carry it out. May prayer powerfully move us to partner with our Father to do His salvation will.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority” (1 Timothy 2.1-2)
These words alone add one more thing to our Christian “to do” list; a duty to be performed. All kinds of thankful prayer should be offered for all people: a very tall order. But, what follows is the important WHY: “so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2.2). At first glance, it appears that Paul wants us to pray for all people so that none will trouble us; so we can live lives of ease. But, if we stop with this, we still haven’t fully discovered the WHY of prayer: “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. For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2.3-6)
The “tranquil and quiet life” we pray that we might be allowed is such that we be unrestrained as we go about gospel work. God’s great purpose is for all people be saved and enlightened by the truth of the one God, and the mediatorial work of His human Son. That purpose is important enough for us to pray for the freedom to be up and about doing it.
Prayer often consists of remembering the sick, and seeking help for a pressing problem or need (which certainly are not wrong). But, prayer that does not seek opportunity and freedom for gospel work is prayer that has not gone far enough. If it is our Father’s will for the salvation and enlightenment of others, that should be our will and passion as well.
Prayer is not a substitute for action, but rather a conduit for it. Prayer provides the unction and passion for our Father’s priority, and appropriates the power to carry it out. May prayer powerfully move us to partner with our Father to do His salvation will.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 7:58 AM
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