Today's Scripture
TODAY’S READING SCHEDULE: 1 Samuel 25-26; 1 Timothy 2
pray – 1 Timothy 2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For
there is one God;
there is also one mediator between God and humankind,
Christ Jesus, himself human,
6 who gave himself a ransom for all
—this was attested at the right time. 7 For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth,[a] I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
8 I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; 9 also that the women should dress themselves modestly and decently in suitable clothing, not with their hair braided, or with gold, pearls, or expensive clothes, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who profess reverence for God. 11 Let a woman[b] learn in silence with full submission. 12 I permit no woman[c] to teach or to have authority over a man;[d] she is to keep silent. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Paul calls us to pray. The prayer Paul exhorts the people to practice is focused on one theme; for all people to see the promise and truth of salvation. Through prayer and supplication, Paul shares how the prayer leads us to holiness. It should not be confined by our individual needs but used as an instrument to follow God’s will.
Even in the controversial verses, later in this chapter, it is to urge the leaders of Ephesus to submit themselves in prayer to see how God leads them. To better understand what I mean, please watch the video.
That brings us back to the original call, “The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know” (1 Tim 2:1 Message). This verse reminded me of the beginning of the year. During Lent, I committed to pray every day at noon for an hour. After the 40 days, I shared with our leaders, how I wanted to see how this continued. Even though it is not a daily prayer… could it have been a weekly prayer?
I believe there is a call from God to be intentional to pray. How will this happen? We will need to pray to hear God’s direction.
Prayer
Lord, when we pray show us your way. In Christ name we pray, Amen.
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