Do you Pray?

It may sound like a silly question to ask. But I have one specific target in mind: our leaders.

I Timothy 2:1 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.

I must confess I have not been faithful to pray for leaders over the years. I'm sure there's been a prayer here and there. But this has not been an area characterized by faithful intentionality.

If your story is like mine, its time for us to repent of prayerlessness and purpose in our hearts TODAY to make this a regular focus of prayer.

And as we do, let's remember what the scripture says. The goal is for us to live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. I believe the primary reason we pray this way as Christians is so the gospel may effectively advance. We see this in verse 4. The end purpose is so others can come to know the Saviour, including our leaders. In this text are no references to taxes, investments, 401K's,etc. Don't get me wrong. These are issues I'm sure we're all concerned about, and we should be. But I think our primary focus must be on the mission we're called to.

I believe the ongoing financial crisis and the inauguration of President Elect Barack Obama will set the stage for the church to find its prophetic voice as millions of people discover the shakiness in the foundations of their lives. We can be that "city on a hill" that radiates with the glory of God for all to see the way to the Father. But this must begin in our prayer closets.