In Faith Food by Kenneth E. Hagin for today we see this:
"...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 men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1 Tim. 2:2-4).
God doesn't tell us to do something just to fill up space in the Bible. He has a purpose in mind. We are to pray for those in authority so that we who are Christians may lead a quiet and peaceable life. God is concerned about us, and He will work on our behalf, even when those in authority are not Christians.
God's ultimate purpose is that we be able to spread the Gospel freely. If we do not live under a stable government, the spreading of the Gospel is hindered. For example, times of political upheaval, war, travel restrictions, and other limitations hinder the spreading of the Gospel. Jesus said,
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt. 24:14).
The devil will try his best to see that this is not accomplished. Therefore, we are exhorted to offer intercessory prayer, supplications, and the giving of thanks for those who lead our nation.
Many times, especially when we are faced with terrible leadership in any realm of life, we pray from more personal and emotional motives. The God of the Bible understands how we feel, but we MUST bring our thinking around to agree with HIM! God's #1 priority is saving the lost! Look at these Scriptures:
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. KJV
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. KJV
John 3:16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. AMP
Understanding these simple Truths will make your prayer life much more effective! Our ministry partner, Jerry O'Dell, has a quote that I love! It fits right in here!
"When we want what God wants, for the same reason He wants it, we cannot fail."
So, check your motives for prayer, cast your care on the Lord, pray according to the Word, then continue praying in the Spirit! You WILL see answers to your prayers that will bring GLORY to HIS Name! AMEN! Here is Hillsong with "No Reason To Hide":
Shalom in Him!
