September 7
Praying for
All People
1 Timothy 2:1-4
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Daily Steps
Having learned the essential foundation of prayer for the self (Day 250), the new believer must now turn outward to the world. This passage establishes intercession—praying for others—as the first priority of the Christian life, linking it directly to our pursuit of peace.
The peace in this principle is found in expansive love:
The Priority of Intercession: The command is absolute: I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. Prayer is not meant to be solely focused on personal needs. Our first duty is to extend our discipline of prayer to the needs of the world, demonstrating generosity (Day 246) of spirit.
The Purpose of Authority: We must pray specifically for kings and all those in authority. This is crucial not for their sake alone, but that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Our consistent intercession for leaders creates the necessary stability (Day 240) in society for us to pursue a life of wisdom and faith.
The Motivation of God’s Heart: Our ultimate motivation is God's heart: This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. Praying for others aligns our will with God's ultimate desire—the redemption (Day 225) of the lost.
Your peace is secured by intercession. Make it your first priority to pray for all people, especially those in authority, knowing that your expansive love in prayer promotes peaceful and quiet lives and aligns you with God’s saving heart.
Reflective Question
If intercession is the first priority of prayer, how often do you pray for your national and local leaders? What is one specific nation, leader, or person in authority you can commit to praying for today to promote peaceful and quiet lives?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my narrow focus in prayer. I thank You that You want all people to be saved. I pray for the discipline of prayer to make intercession my first priority.
I pray for all those in authority (name one leader). Secure my peace today by helping me to live a godly and holy life that reflects Your expansive love for all people. Amen.
