Global Prayer

I urge, then, first of all, 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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4). On Wednesday, I mentioned that September is a good time to start new things and I began a mid-week reflection on the Heidelberg Catechism. I plan on doing a new thing on Friday as well. I'm going to call it "from the barrel." We preachers sometimes refer to our library of sermons as "the barrel." I am going to stir around in my barrel of sermons to use some of that material for Wilderness Wanderings. Today, I make use of sermons on 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Many who were born before 1980 will remember September 11, 2001, the day terrorists hijacked four planes to use as weapons against the USA. Thousands of people died. The tremors created that day have rippled all the way into the present. The world we live in seems uglier. Warfare has not diminished. Chaos looms large. Fear is everywhere. How should we live in such a world? Our text shows us the way. It's a call to prayer. Prayer should never be an afterthought for Christians. It should never be partnered with the word 'just', suggesting it is a small thing. Prayer is never little. Christian prayer is always directed towards our heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. When we pray, images from Revelation 4-5 ought to be central in our imagination. We are beseeching the ruler of all things. The Belgic Confession describes God with these words, "eternal incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty; completely wise, just, and good, and the overflowing source of all good" (Article 1). Turning to him cannot be a little thing. And turning to him, ought to reduce the fear in our hearts. Despite the chaos around us, he still holds this world in his hands. We could add the word, "faithful", to the list in the Belgic. Our God is faithful. He will not abandon his world. That is what the book of Revelation tells us with its multiple visions. In this context, we ought to recall Daniel's prayer, "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others" (2:20-21) Instead of gripping about politicians, we should be praying for them. It's difficult to swim against the stream; our culture loves to beat up on people with power and authority. Yet, Christians are to honour and respect such people and above all pray for them. Pray that they will govern for the good of all people, that freedom and justice will pervade human society. Our prayers do not need to be long or eloquent. Jesus tells us that simple and short should be the goal (Matthew 6). As you journey on, go with his blessing: May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm. May your day end with rejoicing at the wonders he has shown you. May you rest in his provision as he brings night, and then new dawn.