60 Seconds – First Things First
Author: Dave ArnoldJohann Wolfgang von Goethe (17 – 1832), considered by many to be the greatest German writer, stated, “Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.”
In 1Timothy 2:1 – 3, we are given a priority of the Church. Paul wrote to the young pastor, Timothy, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”
The following is an excellent prayer for those who choose to obey Paul’s exhortation:
“Heavenly Father, I thank You for our country, our Constitution, and our leaders. I pray for our President and for every elected and appointed official who serves with him.
I pray that You will build a wall of protection around the marriage and family of every national, state, and local official.
I pray that You will give them the wisdom and the courage to uphold our Constitution which established a republic based on Your absolute laws; not a democracy based on the changing whims of human reasoning.
I pray that You will destroy Satan’s deceptive lie that we can be “as gods,” deciding for ourselves what is right and what is wrong.
O Lord, may our leaders cast down every law, policy, and personal example which weakens marriages, families, or Your moral standards.
I pray that our leaders will understand and follow the principles of Your Word. May they realize that all authority comes from You, not the voters, and that one day they will stand before You to give an account of the power You gave to them.
I base this prayer on the promise of Your Word, that if I will humble myself, pray, seek Your face, and turn from my wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, forgive my sin, and heal my land.
In the Name and through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”
“We go down to our knees, or we go down to oblivion” (Leonard Ravenhill).