Practicing the Gospel in Prayer by Dudley Hall

Dudley's Weekly Message

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6 (ESV)

"This admonition is given by Paul to Timothy as a young leader in the process of disciple-making. It is found in the context of a discussion about how the gospel is to be lived out. Paul has already reminded Timothy that the goal of the gospel message is to produce lives of love (agape) that come from a pure heart, good conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5). The implication is that any instruction that does not produce this is not the gospel he preaches. He is not impressed with those who have an abundance of head knowledge and theories. He is less impressed with those who think they understand the Old Testament but have failed to see Jesus as its fulfillment. The gospel is aimed first at the human heart, but does not neglect the renewed understanding that results. It changes the priorities of daily living as well as the perspective of life as a whole.

The first priority for those who have been impacted by the gospel is prayer. Paul mentions all kinds of prayers to be employed. They are to include all kinds of people. There is reason to pray for all people without national, ethnic, or social distinctives. He then singles out the leaders. Regardless of the form of government, those who lead affect the lives of all who are citizens of their realm. The hope is to have a life free enough under the established order that the distinctive lifestyle the gospel produces will be highlighted in society.

The prayer, however, is for these leaders to be saved by the one God and one mediator between God and mankind. Our prayers are not limited to petitions for their good decisions and wisdom in leadership. They are part of the "all people" we are to include in our intercessions. No leader can fully reach his or her potential apart form being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. The best unbelieving leader will be better when he knows God personally and enjoys the enlightened mind that is part of the blessing. It might be considered by some to be politically incorrect to pray for civil leaders to become Christians. Some would even protest the mixing of church and state by such actions. But under the ultimate government of the universe, we are commanded to pray for our leaders with the knowledge that God has made a way for them to have transformed lives, but only through one mediator who alone paid the ransom for us.

Gospel pray-ers are bold and unashamed to embrace the truth. They cannot give up their knowledge of truth in order to appear objective. Leaders deserve to be offered the gospel just like others. They are not bound to be neutral in the area of faith because of their calling to civil service.

Those whose lives are demonstrating the love (agape) the gospel has produced will be intentional in praying according to the truth of the gospel. They love enough to pray the truth." You can visit Dudley's website at www.sclm.org

1 Timothy 2:1-4 :Prayer for Those in Authority

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. - 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)