Thursday, July 6, 2017
1 Timothy 2:1:1-3 I urge … that requests, prayers, and intercession be made … for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
PRAY FOR THE GOVERNING AUTHORITIES (2)
As Christians and children of God let us bear in mind the special reason why our heavenly Father encourages us to pray for those who occupy positions of authority in the State. When the governing authorities fulfill their God-assigned task to maintain the peace, keep the citizens safe, and uphold law and order, it facilitates the spread of the Gospel of salvation in Christ to the glory of God. Christians who are free from disturbances such as wars, persecutions, and civil unrest are able to share their faith more freely with those around them in the station in life where the Lord has placed them. They need not live in fear of telling others about their Savior who lived and died for them and rose again. The Holy Spirit will then use the Gospel message, which is the power to salvation, to work repentance and faith in hearts, so more people may become members of God’s family, citizens of the heavenly country that will have no end. "This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4).
Lord, while for all mankind we pray Of every clime and coast,
Oh, hear us for our native land, The land we love the most!
Oh, guard our shores from every foe, With peace our borders bless,
With prosperous times our cities crown, Our fields with plenteousness!
Here may Thy Gospel, pure and mild, Smile on our Sabbath hours
And piety and virtue bless Our fathers' home and ours.
Fly abroad, eternal Gospel; Win and conquer, never cease.
May Thy lasting, wide dominions Multiply and still increase!
May Thy scepter Sway th' enlightened world around!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 578:1-2, 4; 505:3)
