Daily Devotional – ‘In His Footstep’
By Kingdom Support Initiatives (KSi)
October 28th 2022

Paul’s Further Instructions

I urge, then, first of all, that request, 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 Timothy 2:1-2

Bible Reading: I Timothy 2:1-8

Ponder on these questions: What subjects have made it onto your prayer lists in recent time? Who have you prayed for? why do you pray for them, and how often do you intercede for them? In this chapter, Apostle Paul guides Timothy in answering these questions. He admonished Timothy to embrace intercession first for everyone, for kings and those in authority. This command is important because praying for everyone and those in authority will make us live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Beyond doubt, our country is experiencing difficult times caused largely by those in authority. This truth can harden one’s heart from praying for those in authority. For instance, we read of our leaders’ corrupt practices, actions, policies, and unpatriotic acts among others, and the entire nation is suffering. However, is this case different from the time when Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy? I don’t think so because since the fall in Eden, the human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? (Jeremiah 17:9). This means that there has been corruption, irregularities and diverse acts that have plagued our society. However, there is a need to look beyond these realities and focus on God. Apostle Paul’s instruction goes to every child of God, every Christian family, and every church. It is a good thing that we can pray for our family members, friends, and church brethren etc. Our prayer must go beyond this. We need to pray for our kings, regents, queens, traditional rulers, presidents, governors, ministers, commissioners, mayors, local government chairmen, municipal leaders, and leaders in our various institutions. Since the prayer of the righteous avails much, we can influence policies, and government through our prayers because a king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand: “He directs it wherever He chooses” (Proverbs 21:1). Finally, Apostle Paul’s instruction has a reward “peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (vs 2b). If you follow this instruction, and you will reap the reward therein. Make it a point of duty to always intercede for those in authority anytime you pray. Start interceding for your leaders today!

Self-Reflection: My prayer is incomplete without interceding for others, including those in authority.

Action Point: Intercede for your leaders today!

Intercessory prayer: Pray for your family members, friends, brethren, and for those in authority.

Hymn: Ere you left your room this morning, did you think to pray?

In the name of Christ, our Saviour, did you sue for loving favour?

As a shield today? Oh, how praying rests the weary!

Prayer will change the night to day. So, when life gets dark and dreary

Don’t forget to pray.