The Practice of Prayer
1 Timothy 2:1-8
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, and intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
(1 Timothy 2:1-2)
In my 32 years in ministry as a law enforcement chaplain, I've met many special and skilled officers. In a previous Anchor, I told the story of God's protection over a friend who apprehended a burglary suspect. Shots were fired, no one was hurt, and the assailant ended up in jail. This same officer became a part of a narcotics enforcement team, and in another situation, three officers and two suspects were shot. He credits God with helping him. He said, "without God in control of my life, I would not have survived these two incidents...and would be lost today...I have learned first hand the remarkable power of faith, prayer and believing."
Prayer is an integral part of the Christian life. Paul states in several words and in various places that our petitions should be simply asking fervently for God's help and lifting up others. God is all-powerful and all-knowing, yet He has chosen us to be His instruments of change in the world through our prayer. What an honor! Why not pray right now?
INSIGHT
President Lincoln said, "I have been driven to my knees many times by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go."
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Esther 1-2
Psalm 38
Luke 1
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Instructions on Worship
1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 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 people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.
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