Praying for Our World: November 2023

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Praying for Leaders after Election Season Ends: Part 2

Paul exhorts Timothy (and us as well) in 1 Timothy 2: 1-2, "...that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

The previous blog post looked at the methods of prayer listed in verse 1. Today we will look at who we are told to be praying for.

Notice, we are told to pray FOR people, not pray AGAINST them. If we are praying for their destruction, arrest, or punishment, then we are not praying on their behalf. We need to leave the judge's seat for God.

Now are all of our prayers for people to feel positive emotions or the warm fuzzies? Not necessarily. We are praying FOR people and what would benefit them, even if they may not want it.

What sorts of prayers might be included in this category?

-That they would be convicted of sin and move to repentance.

-That they would be humbled before God and surrender to Jesus' authority.

-That they would be drawn closer to God (this works for both non-believers and believers, since there's always a closer relationship with God).

What other hard, yet beneficial, prayers can you think of?

We are to be praying FOR...

For all people. Not just the people we like, or who look/act/think/vote like us.

Who do you struggle to pray FOR?

The other gender?

The other side of the political aisle?

The other religions?

The other sexual orientations and gender identities?

For kings. (or presidents, dictators, prime ministers, etc.)

Who are the leaders of your country?

Continent?

World?

What struggles are they facing?

For those in authority. (congressional representatives, judges, speaker of the house, justices, admirals, etc.)

Who are your congressional representatives?

Judges or Justices?

Leaders of the military and legislative branch?

May we live peaceful and quiet lives. Not stirring up trouble or complaining.

Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of ways you have not been living peacefully or quietly.

Include all areas of your life, including social media posts!!

May we live in all godliness and holiness. Not criticizing others for failing to live up to our holiness standards.

We are called to live godly and holy lives. We are NOT called to enforce this lifestyle on everyone we meet, regardless of their religion.

Which parts of this post are difficult or challenging or even offensive?

New International Version (NIV)

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Praying for Leaders after Election Season Ends: Part 1

Let's break these verses down a little.

Petitions are requests, often formal, made to someone in authority (God), in a respectful and humble manner.

Similarly prayers are defined as a devout petition or communing with God through various ways (asking, rejoicing, adoring, confessing)

Intercessions are praying on behalf of another person.

Thanksgiving involves giving thanks or gratefully acknowledging the benefits or favors received

Throughout today, try to use each of these styles of prayer.

-Petitions

-Prayers

-Intercession

-Thanksgiving

Try to connect the prayer times with meals and bedtime, if that helps.

Which method comes the most naturally to you?

Which method is the most difficult to use?

What petitions are you making?

When do you struggle to be respectful and humble?

What methods of prayers do you typically use?

(Search for "12 types of prayer" and see well over 12 options. Both the "all" and "images" have plenty of options).

How are you interceeding for others?

Are you praying on their behalf or asking for their judgment and punishment?

For their benefit or against them?

How often are you giving thanks?

What and who are you giving thanks for?

Who is the Holy Spirit asking you to give thanks for?

Which parts of this post are difficult or challenging or even offensive?

New International Version (NIV)