This week we will be concentrating on the above listed verses and on the different aspects of prayer listed in these particular verses. The different aspects of prayer will be explored keeping in mind that the prayers we pray, according to the end of verse 2 are "that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
During the time of Paul's writing we must keep in mind that whether or not we "like" the way our government is going, he lived in a time of a grossly immoral government and was eventually martyred by Nero--a cruel persecutor of Christians and the very king Paul is asking his readers to pray for! We are commanded to pray, regardless of who the leaders are in government roles! Our first avenue of prayer listed is "supplications." This is a very interesting way to begin the list of ways to pray. Supplication has to do with attitude. It is a translation of a Greek word which describes the attitude of one who would beseech a king. It is approaching with respect and gratitude. It is understanding that it is a privilege to approach a "king" and how much more the God of all Creation! We are thus reminded that when we approach God, it is to be done with the utmost respect as we enter the throne room of the King of kings. We are not to enter the Lord's presence with a haughty attitude but with hearts that are grateful for the opportunity to bring all of our needs and desires before the Lord. This certainly also reminds us that before we enter into prayers for others and our government leaders, we need to have our own attitudes right before God. It is easy to complain about those in authority whether it would be government officials or a boss but we are not called to complain--we are called to prayer! Today let us search our hearts and be sure that our own attitudes are right, desiring nothing less than righteousness in our own thoughts and attitudes as we pray for those in authority.
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