As the
pandemic continues to affect our country and almost every other country too,
tensions increase and blame abounds, spreading the contagious dis-ease of bad attitudes
and depressing outlooks.
We can
contribute to the general malaise, or, as Christians, we can take another tack. Here’s how
the Apostle Paul prayed in troubling times.
1 Timothy 2:1-6
– a prayer of Paul
from the King
James Version of the Bible
I exhort therefore, that, first of all,
supplications, prayers, intercessions,
and giving of thanks, be made for all…;
For kings, and for all that are in authority;
that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight
of God our Saviour; Who will have
all to be saved, and to come
unto the knowledge of the truth.
For there is one God, and one mediator
between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Who gave himself a ransom for all,
to be testified in due time.
From the Book of KJV Prayers - actual prayers from the King
James Version of the Bible (KJV) collected by Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2019
1 Timothy 2:1-6
– a prayer of Paul
paraphrased into current language
Remind us, Lord,
to make our requests –
our prayers,
intercession,
and thanksgiving –
for everyone,
including our leaders
and all those in authority,
so we may live
peaceful,
quiet,
godly,
holy lives.
Surely this pleases You,
God our Savior,
for You want everyone
to be saved
and come to know
the truth in You.
You alone are God,
and we have One
mediator between You
and other people –
the One, Christ Jesus,
Who gave Himself
as a ransom for us
and everyone.
From the Book of Bible Prayers – actual prayers of the Bible collected
from a variety of translations and paraphrased into everyday English by Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2019
May this Bible prayer remind us to pray for our leaders, whether we like them or not, and also
to pray for those in authority in other countries too, yes, including tyrants!
May this Bible prayer remind us to pray for everyone God puts on our minds.
Mary Harwell Sayler, ©2020
P.S. Even if I forget to say so, the Bible Gateway website has long eased and aided my
search for Bible prayers and other biblical topics.
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