Thoughts for another day

April 13, 2007

Today's verse: 1 Tim. 2:1-3. 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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

When you pray, do you ever ask God to pray for your country and its leaders and the people in authority and even for all men? I rarely do it. This verse therefore comes as a reminder of the fact that we need to regularly pray for this purpose. That God will keep the leaders and people in authority in His bosom and take care of them. I believe it works and spreads tranquility.

Prayer is the adhesive that keeps bonds together. Even when we pray for non-brothers or for that matter, non-believers, there is a bonding that happens, in the spiritual realm, if I may say. The object of our prayer becomes related to us through the Almighty and when face to face with this person, the bonding at times might be revealed.

I believe Paul when he says, in praying for rulers and others, we lead a quiet and peaceful life, it means that in praying God gives us the Grace to live in peace. Consider how wonderful this is; when we pray for others, God transforms the blessing we seek for them into a blessing for ourselves!

I have an example of this, though not in terms of government but in an organisation. There is a lady whom I had asked to pray for her organisation. She did. Now this lady is not great at her work but despite the turmoil within the organisation in terms of employees being shifted, transferred, sacked, nothing happened to her. The only effect was she was transferred to another division, which turned out to be a better working proposition for her. So she who prayed for the organisation was rewarded with job satisfaction for herself.

My friend, let us today pray for our country and the people in authority. God will certainly reward us in that He will keep our doorsteps free from violence and establish His reign in our lives as well as those we pray for.