21 Days of Prayer Day 16 -Monday - January 22 - Intercession - All About Others - Today - Our Leaders
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)
This passage falls under the topic of Instructions for Worship.
We cannot fully worship God the right way if our posture isn’t submitted to those in authority.
It’s easy to pray for those leaders we like, but it’s necessary to pray for all leaders.
My view of authority affects my response to it.
Today we’ll pray through 4 areas
Governmental/Civil
Spiritual
Parental/home
Workplace/School
What is the correct posture? We should understand submission.
A centurion had a servant who was paralyzed. Jesus said “shall I come to the house to heal him.”
The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. Matthew 8:8-10 (NIV)
Could it be that apart from having great faith, but that also the Centurion’s posture toward Jesus’ authority was right.
What postures toward authority gets God’s attention?
1. Posture of Humility
In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)
2. Posture of honor.
We need to honor the place or position particularly if we don’t like the person.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. Romans 13:1-2 (NIV)
3. Posture of prayer.
We are called to pray and maybe pray these 4 things:
Lord, visit them. May they come to know you as Savior & then refresh them.
Lord, guide them. Direct their paths, their minds, their plans and decisions.
Lord, protect them. Bind the Spirit that tries to blind them and hinder them.
Lord, bless them. May our words speak blessing to them.
