It's Time To Pray

I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him. Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I have followed some of the back and forth bashings of those seeking political office and their supporters, and I openly admit that I got caught up in the bashing too for which I ask forgiveness for my participation.  Today's verse stuck out for me because of the simple command Paul gives us: PRAY FOR EVERYONE! 

Consider this: we are never told to pray only for the people we like.  We are told to pray even for those who persecute us and treat us badly and even for those who hate us.  It's pretty easy to mouth a "Thank you God for this person I like and I ask your blessings on them."  

But what about the person we don't like?  "Father, this person and I cannot seem to get along yet You have caused our lives to come together for some reason I don't know yet.  Help us to open the door for true and honest conversation.  Help us to learn to tolerate each other and perhaps even like each other.  Reveal to BOTH of us why You brought us together."

Prayer is a truly simple, powerful and amazingly astounding force!  Through prayer, we can be humbled and taught to care for the people we once hated.  Through prayer our lives can change.  Through prayer we can find peace that our soul has sought for so long.  Through prayer WE can be changed!  And when we learn to pray for others, we will begin to find healing for the wounds we have kept open.  Prayer is a powerful force!