As we learn about the happenings in this world, we mourn the cruelty and the mishaps. We long for a world without hate, crime, and disasters. We pray for those in need, that is the heart of God, one who cares deeply for his people, all people. I know that God loves us, that he blesses those who seek him and love him, but it surprised me when someone said, though I realise it should not have, that God blesses even those who are enemies of God. How can this be I thought. That seems like he is rewarding their behaviour. 

Oh, how wrong I am, you see. I do not proclaim my perfection or my own righteousness; I know I need God’s guidance and correction all the time. I depend on the righteousness of God. As God blesses his children, the world benefits, and not only that, but the world is shown the love of God. Will they respond to this? Did we? Where would we have been without the love of God. The sun comes up on us all, the rain falls, the miracle of life is born within a single seed. God is God to us all the time.

Timothy urges us to pray for all people, those we love, those we admire, and those who irritate us as well. I do not pray that those doing wrong will be harmed, but that they will see the love of God and be healed, and as they are healed, may they in turn help others find their way to God. I may pray that they will be stopped from harming others, but I also pray they will see the right way to live and choose it. As Timothy says, I must ask God to help them as he helps me, that God will intercede in their life as he has in mine. May God help me to understand and have compassion even if they for the moment seem to be lacking in it.

We pray for those in authority to make the right choices, and I realise that is not an easy task. We pray for our neighbours who affect our lives and we theirs. We pray for the one who cut us off in traffic because we do not know the stresses in their lives right now. We pray for the person in front of us in the checkout line that is struggling to make their purchases as I wait to make mine.1 Timothy 2 reminds us that, as we struggle in our lives to find peace, this is what the world needs as well. As we pray for all people, remember that God wants all to come to him and be saved, to understand the truth of who he is and how much he loves us all.

In 1 Timothy 2:7 Paul states that he was chosen to preach the good news to those in need of hearing the message of God’s truth. We are also called to share this message to the world, and seek God’s intervention and grace, that all will come to the knowledge of truth, and have the heart to turn to God. We pray for all people, that we all will enjoy the blessings of God as he so planned from the beginning. May we lift up those holy hands in prayer for all people that God’s kingdom will be filled full to the boarders, if there are any. I praise his Holy Name!

Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.

Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church