Everyone Needs Prayer
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Key Verse: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” Selected Scripture: |
IN THE KEY VERSE OF THIS lesson, the Apostle Paul directs our attention to the proper spirit of supplication, intercession and prayer that should be exercised on behalf of all mankind, and also toward those who are in responsible leadership positions—“For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”—vs. 2
In his epistle to the brethren at Rome, the apostle also addresses this important matter with an interesting perspective. He says, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained [ordered, Marginal Translation] of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation [condemnation, New American Standard Version]. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same.” (Rom. 13:1-3) Paul also emphasizes, “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”—vs. 7
Again Paul points out, “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work. To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”—Tit. 3:1-3
Thus we learn to trust our all-wise and loving Heavenly Father to work out the everlasting arrangements concerning his separated people of faith, who are being called during the present Gospel Age and are living under man-made arrangements of authority. The children of God have received much that they should be thankful for during this time. God’s plans will ultimately include the whole world who will then receive the blessings of his plan of reconciliation under the administration of our Lord Jesus.
Paul further emphasizes the importance of putting our trust in God, “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.” (I Tim. 2:3,4) God’s plans center around the gift of his only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus, who gave his perfect human life for the human family, and will be the Mediator of a new and better covenant that will be established for the blessing of all mankind. “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”—vss. 5,6
To wait on the Lord, and to continue to trust him in these closing years of the present Gospel Age, is a fundamental element of our walk in newness of life. We should always exercise our privileges of prayer, and be in harmony with God’s overruling providence concerning the ultimate purpose of his will.