Commanded to Pray

1Timothy 2:1-2, 8
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, 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.

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Eternal, Immortal, Invisible King, You are the only God! Blessing and honor and glory are Yours forever and ever! Amen!

Thank You for the life saving grace of Your Son, Jesus Christ. He is my blessed and only hope for the future. Even though I’ve made a million mistakes and have many faults, You’ve faithfully poured out Your endless love and mercy on me. If it weren’t for Your unlimited patience, I’d be eternally condemned for the countless ways I’ve offended You. But, because of Your tenderhearted compassion and ceaseless kindness, I’m guaranteed a home in heaven, signed and sealed in Jesus’ blood.

Therefore, out of deep heartfelt gratitude, I will obey Your orders for outstanding living in an outrageous society. Not only will I honor the position of the next President of the United States by accepting his authority, I will also do as You say and raise up holy hands to pray persistently and passionately for him to rule our country with justice and goodness for our good and Your glory. My heart’s desire is to live freely, simply, and quietly in this land blessing, honoring and glorifying Your kingdom forever and ever. Amen.

God’s Word tells us exactly what we should have been doing, and should do going forward: pray for everyone – especially our president so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

I urge you, put aside your anger and put on passionate and persistent PRAYER for President Barack Obama! The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. (James 5:16)

Here are some more reasons to be thankful:

• You have a roof over your head, and may even own your home
• You have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• You have air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter
• You live in a safe neighborhood protected by well-trained and dedicated emergency personnel
• You have income
• You have enough clothes in your closet to dress a community in Congo and enough stuff in your garage to furnish an entire village in Mozambique
• You have the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in a moment than Darfur has seen in the last year
• You have social, religious and political freedoms that are the envy of everyone in the world
• You have a cell phone and computer