A Call to Prayer
“First of all, then, I urge that
petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and
thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions
of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all
godliness and dignity. This [kind of
praying] is good and acceptable and
pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and
to come to the knowledge and
recognition of the [divine] truth.”
--1
Timothy 2:1-4 AMP
As we embark on the beginning of a new political administration,
this is not so much a political post as it is a ‘call to action’ for
believers. Certainly, the election
process caused much division, sparked countless insults, and endless declarations
of non-support for the new administration.
It would be an understatement to say it’s been disheartening to
watch. The new administration has
begun. What now?
Pray! As in any situation
where we find ourselves asking that question, we should turn to God’s
Word. If we are to be Christ-like, His
message is and always will be one of love.
No exceptions, no buts, no caveats.
Love!
1 Peter 4:7-11 (AMP) reads:
“The end and culmination
of all things is near. Therefore, be
sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced
and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear,
reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.]
Above all, have fervent and
unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it
overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an
ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate
for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse,
varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited
favor]. Whoever speaks [to the
congregation], is to do so as one who
speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the
strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be
glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the
glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen”
As believers, let’s do what we’ve been called to do, pray and
love.
Margaret Slaughter
