INTERCESSORY PRAYER

"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" (2 Timothy 2:1-4).

Devotion 13 of 17

INTERCESSIONS FOR ALL MEN

God's people are admonished to make intercession for all men. They are not simply to isolate themselves from the rest of the world, or live in consideration of their own kind. They are the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world." They are the appointed means of bringing divine influence to bear upon men. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tim 2:1-2). Our spiritual growth depends, in part, upon a favorable spiritual environment. We are to pray for "kings, and all that are in authority" -- that is intercession. Why are we to make such intercessions? Is it primarily for the sake of our nation that we pray? Are the leaders themselves the primary objective of the prayers? We are interceding in order that a good spiritual climate may ensue; one in which we can "lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." The church has generally fared well during persecution. Some have observed that "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." While this is true, this is not the best way. The truth of the matter is that during fierce persecution profound growth in Christ did not always occur. Most of the spiritual energy of the people was devoted to maintaining their faith. God's kingdom is so structured that "the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace" (James 3:18). A tree can grow in a turbulent environment; but it can grow better in a peaceful one. Perhaps this provides an answer for the stressful times in which we live. Is it possible that the church has not interceded as God has admonished it? See to it that our generation fulfills its intercessory role--"for all men, for kings, and all that are in authority." Paul relied on the prayers of the saints. His spiritual integrity provoked him to request such prayers. He was not living on the edge of temptation, asking believers to pray that he not topple off the precipice of sin. He was living with a good conscience, willing to live honestly in every circumstance. He also knew how the kingdom of God is being managed. Therefore, he appropriately exhorted the saints, "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly" (Heb 13:18).