I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people. (1 Tim. 2:1)
Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-4
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 who have gathered. 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 is in omnipresent control. 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, hésuchia, 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 previously served as a writer for Light from the Word. She earned a master’s degree in nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University (IN).
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
