Prayers for All

I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men; On behalf of kings and all who are in high position, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of our Savior God. (1 Timothy 2:1-3, RecVer)

In line with the word of God I used to pray for "kings" and those in high position. In fact, I used to pray daily for famous people in India and also in the world. The people that I prayed for includes Presidents and Prime Ministers of different countries, the prominent ones in relation to God’s move on the earth. The list also includes various sportsmen, entrepreneurs, business men, movie stars, politicians, religious leaders, etc. When prayer burdens were more with personal, family, service, and church needs, I somehow directed my prayers more on these immediate needs. Though I have been reading about these famous people in the world from the news, I hardly prayed for them any longer.

Last week, a news report reminded me again of my need to pray for some of these ones in a more specific way. Therefore, I picked up the burden to pray again for some of these ones, especially those who are undergoing hardtimes. I feel that this is the best time for them to seek for the true and living God and somehow be saved. Should the Lord will so, I am even ready to meet them face to face or contact them to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. As much as I need the Lord, I believe, they so need the Lord even more. 

I have also been following the current political events in India. So, I pray earnestly for the rulers of this nation, both the ones in power and those in the opposition. God’s desire is that all men be saved, first of all. I therefore took this burden upon myself and pray for the salvation of all men especially those whom the Lord specifically burdened me for.

Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4, RecVer)

Now, my prayer burdens list has become much longer. I need more time for prayer. In fact, these burdens helped me redeem my time and encouraged me to pray more. On the one hand, I pray for them, yet on the other hand, I am helped to pray more and more. Yes, the prayers are for others, but I am the first beneficiary. Because I pray. Whether the Lord will answer my prayers or not, it's all upto Him. But the fact that I am praying is already the answer to my prayers.

One new lesson I learned is, instead of opining or discussing about the rulers of the nation, my prayer for them will benefit them, the nation and me. By political discussion, I could achieve nothing for the country. The best that I can do for the nation and the world is pray. Yes, pray for the nation and the world leaders, especially for their salvation and for God’s will to accomplish on the earth even through these ones like the way God used the king of Persia.

Now in the first year of Cyrus the king of Persia, so that the word of Jehovah by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Jehovah stirred up the spirit of Cyrus the king of Persia; and he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and put it also in writing, saying, (Ezra 1:1, RecVer)

Lord, I petition, pray, and intercede on behalf of all men; On behalf of kings and all who are in high position. Let Your will be done in India and in the world!