¹ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, ² for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. ³ This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. ⁷ For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, 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 holy hands without anger or quarreling.

 

REFLECTION

1. God “desires all people to be saved” (v4).  This is an important verse if you’ve prayed for unsaved loved ones, and been discouraged by their lack of response.  We know from Scripture that not everyone will be saved. But we also know that God desires all to come to know Christ.  This means that when you pray for any individual’s salvation, you can be confident that what you are praying for is definitely in harmony with God’s wishes and desires.
2. The most effective evangelism is supported by the evidence of “a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (v2). The most powerful aid to the gospel is not sudden fear created by danger, but a growing hunger for the peace and goodness observed in the lives of ordinary Christian.

1. Sit quietly before God and wait.  If you will, lift up hands and pray earnestly for those people and needs that the Holy Spirit brings to mind.

 

Prayer & Journaling:

Stay with God for a little longer.  Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell you.

If you have a prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.

 

Proverbs for Today 24:1-4

¹ Be not envious of evil men,
    nor desire to be with them,
² for their hearts devise violence,
    and their lips talk of trouble.

³ By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
⁴ by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.