Prayer That Makes a Difference
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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.” 1 Timothy 2:1,2 NIV
When I read Paul’s admonition to Timothy, I think of his words to the Ephesians, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesian 6:18 NIV)
Paul encourages all kinds of prayers for “all kinds of people.” Those who are believers, those who are not. Those who are in authority, even at the highest levels. The outcome of this kind of focused and concerted prayer is –
1 – The quality of life is improved – “…that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”
2 – God is pleased – “This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” (1 Timothy 2:3 NIV)
What is the most important thing to pray for? We are to pray that people come the truth and commit their lives to Christ. That is what changes hearts and the course of human affairs. “…who [God] wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth…” (1 Timothy 2:4 NIV)
The path to God is not many roads, it is one road. It is direct access because of Christ’s death on the cross. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 NIV)
In the Old Testament the priest stood between God and the people. Between the priest and God was the curtain in the Temple that restricted access to the Holy of Holies and God’s ark. When Christ died, the curtain of the Temple was torn showing that God was holding “open house.” Through Christ all can come and receive forgiveness and new life.
Because of Christ’s sacrifice our prayers are “powerful and effective.” Our prayers make a difference. As Paul says to the Ephesians, it is part of our “spiritual armor and warfare.” So we read, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV)
Prayer is not restrict to “church” or specific days or times or settings or locations. Paul simply says, “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray…” (1 Timothy 2:8 NIV)
If we want to make a difference in our lives and in our world, we will pray.
Prayer for today… Lord, give us eyes to see what happens when Your people commit themselves to pray. May we see that our prayers matter and that they make a difference.