Almost immediately after this tragedy struck our nation, organization
began. We witnessed the quick responses of our nation's leaders and their
communications with one another in developing a proper battle plan in
answer to the attack we received. The more organized we are, the more
effective we are, amen? Can you imagine the chaos if every man, woman
and child took it upon themselves to do what they thought was needful
without any direction or oversight?? It's only natural to become motivated
to help in some way as we continue to watch our televisions and monitor
the progress of the rescue and clean-up work going on in New York. What
can we, as citizens of the United States of America do to help? What is
the highest priority? To counteract chaos in the face of concern, the
apostle Paul had a marvelous plan for the assemblies in Ephesus, and I
think he would give us the same advice as well...
1 Timothy 2:1-2, "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For
kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."
Notice that Paul said "first of all". He is about to share the highest
priority of a concerned heart, and that is the task of prayer. I find
it hard to believe that Paul was referring to formal prayer, that which
is read off of a piece of paper, planned and penned to impress audiences
everywhere... No, we've witnessed enough of that ritualism in the various
memorial services viewed on television, amen? What this nation needs is
sincere prayer, heartfelt, honest conversation with the Lord. There should
be reverence in our prayers, for it is an act of worship, not just a recital
of our wants and needs! We must really want to pray and not pray simply
to please people or because it is an expected religious duty. Ladies,
prayer is one of the truest expressions of concern! People depend upon
you to pray, amen? Do you depend upon prayer to help them?? As with anything
else, love of country and concern for her welfare will override humdrum,
repetitive praying. Don't wait until it's too late to express your concerns!
When we cease to pray, God ceases to bless....
Psalm 32:6, "For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in
a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters
they shall not me come nigh unto him."
Notice in our main text the variety of prayers that Paul specifically
mentioned... They were supplications, intercessions and giving of thanks.
Can you explain these different types of prayer? If not, why not? Are
they not a part of your life, part of the life of your church, your family?
Supplications are defined as humble, earnest entreatings of the Father
of mercies, coupled with a submissive spirit to God's will. In other words,
not having a tendency to boss God around on your knees! You see ladies,
as supplicants we must first be yielded in our hearts to God, our sufficiency
must be in Him alone if we would properly and effectively pray. We have
been granted permission to come boldly to the Throne of Grace with the
expression of our concerns, but do not confuse confidence with arrogance.
As children of the King, we gain freedom from timidity, but that is certainly
not a license to demand our own way, amen? Take care that your courage
in conversation with the Lord is balanced with meekness and reverence.
Hence, we must pray for others with a heart resigned to God's will and
not our own.
Intercessions are pleadings in behalf of another. Sometimes the person
we are interceding for is at variance with the Lord, and we pray for reconciliation
between man and Creator, with a heart for the right to be done. Sometimes
our concerns in view of intercession force us to pray against others who
are bent on doing wrong and strive to differ with Creator and creature,
having become enemies of the work of God. Yes, the apostle Paul exhorted
this kind of prayer on behalf of all men, for kings, and for all those
in authority. What is the Biblical reason? That we might all live quiet
and peaceable lives, in all godliness and honesty. That is to be the atmosphere
of our nation, our homes, our schools and our churches and the result
of our prayers. Be honest now - how often in the past have you prayed
for your leaders, your president, your local police officers, your government
officials, your pastor etc.? Does it take a tragedy to raise your concerns
and force you to intercede on the behalf of others?? Where there is no
concern, there is no prayer.
Giving of thanks is a special part of prayer, for it is a sign that we
are at peace with God in our hearts - in spite of not always getting our
own way! Hopefully you aren't guilty of just sending the Lord an attachment
of thanks at the end of your self-centered prayers... Giving of thanks
is so much more than that! It is acknowledging the specific things that
you have personally received at the hand of the Lord. It is accepting
even that which is difficult and painful and still trusting
God's heart with an attitude of gratitude. It is expressing your indebtedness
to the Lord for His deep concern over you! How often do you send your
thanks heavenward, dear lady? When is the last time you approached the
Lord with nothing more than thanksgiving?
1 Timothy 2:3, "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior."
Yes, expressing our concerns in the manner the apostle Paul has taught
us today is very pleasing to the Lord! It's the right thing to do... Before
anything else, it is an organized prayer life that we should strive for,
in order to avoid chaos and to be an effective helper both to God and
man. Channel your concerns properly. The Bible has shown us that even
in the face of persecution, it is possible to live a quiet and peaceable
life - if we would but pray!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
