National ...

“National Prayers”

“Urgent Call for Intercessors”

1 Timothy 2:1-4, “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone -- 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 men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

The apostle Paul wrote to the young pastor Timothy regarding the last days saying, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.” (2 Timothy 3:1) The Apostle Paul is being led of the Holy Spirit to take the Body of Christ to the high level of intercession for those they love and for those in authority. The truths found in this portion of Scripture guide the children of God to a very effective form of public worship, an act of worship that comes from a heart that has learned the joy of both singing the praises of God and grasping the truths of worship in spirit and truth through prayer.

The Holy Spirit moved Paul to write “I urge” (parakaleo) to indicate the urgency of the need of prayer. This Greek word means to admonish or call someone to do something. It is like a mother looking out and seeing her two year old standing in the middle of a four lane highway. Because her hands are full with a baby and packages from the store, she calls out for someone to intervene.

Dr. Ralph Earle points out that Paul is giving Timothy instructions on public worship in today’s text. The Holy Spirit wants you to grasp this truth: our president and our country have great needs. Pastors are to call out for someone with ears to hear and a heart to obey to urgently pray.