1 Timothy 2:1-7 (NRSV)
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Chapter 2First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, Verse 2for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. Verse 3This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, Verse 4who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Verse 5For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, Verse 6who gave himself a ransom for all-this was attested at the right time. Verse 7For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Devotion
It is so easy to become isolated in the world. There is danger that we might go about our daily lives having little concern for our neighbors. We can become detached, apathetic, self-focused.
Yet, Paul here urges us to be engaged in the lives of those around us – to be aware of their needs, their struggles, their joys, their gifts, their vocations and their accomplishments.
Specifically, he calls us to consider those in authority and to pray for them urgently. When times are tough in the world, it’s easy to say, “Man, I’m glad I don’t have to make those tough decisions.”
And yet as citizens of the world, we are to be engaged, aware and active. “First of all," Paul says, "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone.”
Prayer
Holy God, we pray for those in authority, those in high positions. It’s a heavy, confusing time in the world right now. We pray for sound decisions that might bring peace and dignity to all. Inspire us, as little Christs, to promote the good of all through our lives of faithfulness. Amen.