I Timothy 2:1-2 (Monday - Thursday)

I Timothy 2:1-2 "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."

MONDAY-Our Pastor preached on "Victorious Prayer" this past Sunday night. He mentioned from Acts 12:1-11, that our prayers should be prayers of: freedom, faithfulness, fervency, fellowship, faith, focus, and force. God has entrusted us and taught us how to pray (Matthew 6:5-15). We should pray for everyone. Those we know and those whoa re strangers. If we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, we should pray for them like we pray for our own family or congregation.

TUESDAY-from my NIV study Bible "Although God is all-powerful and all-knowing, He has chosen to let us help Him change the world through our prayers. How this works is a mystery to us because of our limited understanding, but it is a reality. Paul urges us to pray for each other and for our leaders in government. Our earnest prayers will have powerful results (James 5:16). "

WEDNESDAY- "Paul's command to pray for kings was remarkable considering that Nero, a notoriously cruel ruler, was emperor at this time (AD 54-68). When Paul wrote this letter, persecution was a growing threat to believers."

THURSDAY-It is a goal of mine to raise children who are peaceful, but know when to be loud and have fun. And, I want to be a part of a godly family. A family focused on Him. If we follow this command to pray, this will help us live godly lives. When things are going good in our lives, it is difficult to remember to pray, especially for other people. We are focused on ourselves and the way things are going in our lives. May our focus be on others and the lost world around us, so that they might see Jesus shine through us.

"...to the lost and battered lives adrift on stormy seas;
to the angry and confused, crying to be free,
from the chains of bondage that trap the soul in sin,
let the light of Jesus shine from deep within..."
-from the anthem "Shine Through Me" by David Whipple, Jr.