Daily Devotional - Discipleship - WK38 - 9/20/24 - Month of Prayer - Day 20 "Intercession is Necessary"

Author: Evangelist Crystal Poston

“Intercession is Necessary”
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-3

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 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;”

Devotion:
Paul wrote this epistle to Timothy to give him instructions on how to organize the church, and how the people should behave in the Lord’s House.  We see in verse 1 that he told Timothy first of all they needed to humbly pray. Prayer was in order before anything else, such as setting gender roles, money matters, or the structure of the church.  He wanted them to know that in order to have a successful church and be able to grow and help the people, they needed to intercede and give thanks for the kings and all that were in authority.

Are we as Christians praying as we should and as often as we should?  Paul’s words in 1 Timothy ought to encourage us to pray more. He says that this is good and acceptable in the sight of our Lord and Savior. The Lord wants us to pray for everyone, those in high places and those in low places throughout this world. Pray for our leaders in government – even if we do not agree with them.  We must pray for them so that the Lord will give them wisdom to make the right decisions, to lead with justice, to lead with righteousness, to lead for the good of the people.  We are to pray for our spiritual leaders, so that the Lord will continue to direct them as they lead and guide us in the way of the Lord - to live a life of peace and godliness.  In order for us to live peaceable lives, we must “pray without ceasing,” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.  Luke also writes in chapter 18:1, “Men ought to always pray and not faint,”.
 
Prayer:
Lord we pray that You would give us the wisdom to intercede for all people, so that we can live a life of peace guided by Your grace. Help us to walk in a way that is pleasing in Your sight, enabling us to draw others to You.  In Jesus’ name. Amen .