“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle , a teacher… in faith and truth.
“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; likewise also that women should adorn themselves… with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.” 1 Timothy 2:1-10
Paul has just told Timothy the importance of warning against myths and false teaching, to align always with sound doctrine, and to wage good spiritual warfare in order to make Christ known. With that admonition, he set a clear priority: First of all, pray, with intercession and thanksgiving, for all those who were in authority over him. God had given governing authorities for good reason in society, and the very structure and fabric of his known world would have bearing on how well he could fulfill his calling. Therefore, he must pray for them before embarking on any effort. (Romans 13:1-4; 1 Timothy 1:3-4,18-19)
As individuals with ambition and plans, we tend to charge ahead. If we have set or been given an assignment, we get to it in full throttle, driving to achieve. The thought of stopping forward motion to pray, especially for those who could impede our progress, is not pleasant. How about simply asking for God’s blessing on our efforts?
The Lord sets first things first. To bow before Him establishes an attitude of humility, dependence, and surrender. It digs deep to uncover prejudices and angst and callouses in our attitudes. It rearranges our priorities to consider the Lord and His grand schemes before our own. It clears our perspective and sets right focus.
What do we tend to as ‘first of alls’? How do we begin our days- looking out, or up? Reading news or social media or God’s powerful living word? Exercising our bodies or our spirits? Setting our agenda or seeking the Lord’s? When He is first of all, that ‘all’ falls into glorious place. It may not be easy, or simple, or clear, but we can know it is His.
How highly do we value and prioritize time in prayer? If it is an afterthought, how can we make it a forethought? What practical steps will we take to keep appointments with our Lord?
What gripes, irritations, bitterness, or anger need to be put in perspective and transformed? What dishonoring habits need be repented of? How will we add thanksgiving to all of our requests, and so expand our expectation, shape our requests, and please the Lord? Prayer turns grousing to gratitude, anxiety to hope, darkness to light. (Matthew 6:7-13,25-32; 7:7-8; Philippians 4:6-7)
Father, keep me keeping You first of all, that You be honored.
