I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. (1 Tim. 2:1)
Our pastor, Joe Russo, taps on heaven’s doors. He humbly, yet powerfully, prays to his Abba Father. A hush falls over those of us in the audience, as we adore our Lord. Joe confesses our joint sins and petitions for our specific needs. He intercedes for our president, members of Congress, and police officers. He commits global, national, and regional concerns to God’s control. He praises the One who has control over all the issues cast before him. Then he reverently says amen (so be it).
When Paul says “first of all,” he declares prayer as the core of worship because prayer produces results. As we pray for those in authority over us, it encourages quiet and peaceful living that decreases the potential for political upheaval (v. 2). The Greek word for quiet, heesúchion, implies a God-given inner peace. We can have inner calmness in our obedience to pray and to live correctly. Additionally, we please God with our prayers (v. 3). What an awesome thought that we, insignificant, earthly mortals, please the creator of the universe when we pray. When we pray, we also have the opportunity and privilege to help bring others to heaven’s doors to meet our Savior, to bring others to a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ (v. 4).
Joe’s prayers do all of this in those few moments of entreating meditation. When we join in prayer during worship, our prayers do this also.
Try tapping on heaven’s doors today.
Gena Duncan lives with her husband in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the summer and Naples, Florida, in the winter. She authored They Walked with God (WestBow Press).
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
