The search for peace and quiet in a loud and busy world causes people to look in many places in hopes of finding a semblance of what they desire. The constant noise from outside and from within makes escape seem impossible to achieve. The audible noise seems easier to shut off with a switch or a change in environment, while the noise from within is more difficult because we cannot escape or flip a switch easily. We want peace and quiet!
In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Paul writes, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” Paul is inviting Timothy to be a person of prayer for all people. This invitation comes directly after Paul mentions two people who have “suffered shipwreck” through their rejection of their faith. Paul is encouraging Timothy to pray for all people, which would include those within the family of the faith and those who are outside the family of the faith. It would also include “kings and all those in authority,” not mentioning whether Timothy agrees with those in authority or not.
Through our praying for all people, we discover peace and quiet that are godly and holy. The intentional prayer for all people creates space in our lives to shut off the noise of division, disagreement, and dissent which over time create an ever-increasing noise in our hearts and minds that cannot be shut off with a switch. Jesus invited us to “pray for those who persecute us” (Matthew 5:44), as a counter-cultural act that models the Kingdom of God’s emphasis on peace instead of war. When we begin to pray for all people, this will include our best friend and our strongest enemy. This will include the political power with whom we find agreement and the political powers with whom we do not agree. This will include the neighbor who comes over for supper and the neighbor who complains about the children being too loud.
As we gather each week in worship and spend time in prayer in our personal time alone with God, we are challenged to seek peace and quiet through our prayer for all people. When we bring the petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving to God on behalf of others, we create space for God to work on our hearts. Our prayer is no longer limited but is wide-open to see God’s transforming power at work to bring peace and quiet.
As you spend time in prayer, how is God calling you to pray for all people? Are you struggling to escape the noise within? How is God inviting you to peace and quiet as you pray for your best friends and your strongest enemies?
Prayer: Lord, I admit I pray for those who are dear to me and struggle to pray for those who are at odds with me. I am tired of the noise of division and disagreement. Teach me to pray for all people, so that I can experience peace and quiet and live in all godliness and holiness. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Cover Image By Olleaugust