2 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
The first thing to say is that our prayers can literally determine people’s destiny and that’s true of the poorest believers. As God’s Children we have a unique position before the Creator of the Universe to make petition on behalf of others. Despite our favoured position, we are often silent before our King. Selah – pause and consider.
8 Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS WITHOUT ANGER OR DISPUTING. 1 Timothy 2
‘Lifting up and looking up’ to heaven to invite God into numerous situations where He can bring change if He’s asked. (Your will be done on earth as in heaven) But Paul speaks of a hindrance to our prayers, namely ‘Anger and disputing’. Anger is an attitude, disputing involves our relationship with others, perhaps, but not always believers, where all our bodily unity has been destroyed. Another scripture regarding hindrance to prayer, much closer to home;
7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and AS HEIRS WITH YOU OF THE ‘GRACIOUS GIFT OF LIFE’, SO THAT NOTHING WILL HINDER YOUR PRAYERS. 1 Peter 3
Our Relationships May influence our prayers before the throne of God, so let’s ‘stay sweet in our souls’!
The next verse in 1 Timothy 2 seems quite different, it’s about modesty in dress;
9 I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 1 Timothy 2
I listened online to a prophet not long ago who touched on both of these matters. He was going down a prayer line and his attention was drawn to a lady he hadn’t reached yet. He asked the pastor who she was and was told that that she was head of the intercessory team for the church. The prophet knew she was demonised and picking up her revelation from the enemy. The devil had targeted and gained control of a strategic office in the Church.
In another situation the praise team were ‘dancing on stage’ and drawing the attention of the male members in the meeting away from spiritual matters.
Paul wrote to Timothy about both of these matters in the early Ephesian church, but both of them are still very relevant at the present time. We do need to exercise and heed our discernment in things of the Spirit and steer well clear of unhealthy influences.
3 The prudent see danger and take refuge,
but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22
God bless and keep you today.