December 08, 2016: SOAP #2562:  1Timothy 1-4

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Observation:   Here is a verse about pleasing God.  Praying for governmental leaders is not only good, it “pleases God our Savior.”

Application:    As I wrote in 2010, “The Lord has not called all to serve in government but He has called all to pray.”  If I claim to love the Lord and really want to please Him, then praying for my government cannot be ignored.  Prior to the recent election, Billy Graham’s son, Franklin led a prayer rally in every capitol of the 50 states.  I believe prayer had a great effect on the election.

Now prayer is needed for the President-elect Trump as he chooses people to serve with him.  As soon as he is in office, prayer will be needed as he reviews executive orders now in place.  Prayer will be needed as he chooses a new Supreme Court Judge.  Prayer will be needed as he deals with immigration, the economy, health care, etc.  There will not be a single day in which he will not need our prayers.  We need to consider our previous prayers as practice for what will be needed in the future.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege of participating in your kingdom work through prayer!  Find me faithful, I pray. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!