Building One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11

Pray Vol 1 No 8

Dear Friend,

There are few calls to prayer as direct as this one:

“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.             I Timothy 2:1-2*

This verse says nothing about your political persuasion or your opinions of current events.

It says everything about priority in life. “First of all… I urge… prayers!”

Pray for everyone. Pray for the leaders of your country and of all countries. Pray for them whether you like them or not!

Be consistent about this. Pray for those in authority when you get up in the morning or when you go to bed or during your regular time of Bible reading and prayer.

Make it your daily practice.

Pray for their wisdom, well-being, their courage and that their work will bear positive fruit. Ask that because of their leadership we will be able to lead a “peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

“ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5

Joy to you – E. Stanley Ott

© Copyright 2018 E. Stanley Ott
*Scripture from the ESV

‍

Discussion Questions and Show Notes:

Discussion Questions:

1. When you pray, what are the specific situations and kinds of people that you pray for? Be honest – is praying for those who lead your nation, state and city near the top of your list?
2. Politics have become a major arena of divisive discourse today, yet need we all share for our leaders to act with wisdom and courage. How can you apply this word from scripture to your personal prayer life? “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.” [I Timothy 2:1-2*]

Show Notes:

Notice the Apostle Paul says nothing about praying depending on your political persuasion or your opinions of how leaders are addressing current events.

For Americans, our prayers begin with our President, Congress, Governors and others who lead our country, states, schools, hospitals, businesses, churches and so on. Other countries have similar lists.

The kicker is to pay attention to WHY Paul says to do this: so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.”

In other words, the ultimate reason to pray isn’t just for the well-being of those who lead – it’s for your own well-being, those who are with you, and everyone under the leader’s authority.

So, pray for everyone. Pray for the leaders of your country and of all countries. Be consistent about this. Pray for those in authority when you get up in the morning or when you go to bed or during your regular time of Bible reading and prayer.

The End of LeadershipBarbara Kellerman https://www.amazon.com/End-Leadership-Barbara-Kellerman/dp/0062069160/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542307133&sr=8-1&keywords=the+end+of+leadership+by+barbara+kellerman

There are countless books on prayer – the key is to choose at least one and allow it to speak to your heart and practice of prayer.

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices That Transform UsAdele Calhoun

https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Disciplines-Handbook-Practices-Transform/dp/0830846050/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531235326&sr=1-4&keywords=spiritual+disciplines+for+the+christian+life

Prayer: Finding the Heart’s True HomeRichard J. Foster

https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Finding-Hearts-True-Home/dp/0060628464/ref=sr_1_6?s=boos&ie=UTF8&qid=1531234938&sr=1-6&keywords=prayer

Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with GodTim Keller

https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Experiencing-Awe-Intimacy-God/dp/0143108581/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531235058&sr=1-4&keywords=prayer

Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer ChallengeMark Batterson

https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Circle-Day-Prayer-Challenge/dp/0310327121/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1531235122&sr=1-11&keywords=prayer

‍