Daily Devotions: September 26, 2014

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 2

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

A preacher needs to know how to pray. Leading a congregation in prayer ministry, along with preaching and teaching God’s Word is vital to the health of a church. In his letter to Timothy, Paul invested in the prayer life of a young pastor. He taught both pastor and church to make prayer top priority. There is only one way to get to God and that is through our Mediator Jesus Christ! Paul taught Timothy to “pray for all people.” He said, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV) Ask God to help people, intercede in their behalf, and give thanks to God for them. Praying for people impacts lives, and is pleasing to God. Praying for our leaders helps us to be able to live peaceful and quiet lives. It helps advance the Gospel which is what God desires. Paul said, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NKJV) Praying for people helps advance the Gospel and results in more people loving God. Paul said, “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (1 Timothy 2:8 NKJV) Praying for people impacts the way women worship and love God as well. Paul said, “And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.” (1 Timothy 1:9-10 NLT) When God’s people pray and seek God’s face, spiritual transformation takes place in people’s lives.

Prayer: Dear Father, help us to set ourselves aside for God, thank You for the privilege of prayer, as Your church teach us to intercede as prayer warriors. In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron