Unashamed Reading Plan
Check out all the previous Unashamed readings here.
Unashamed Reading Plan | Week 14 | Day 4
Prayer
Take a moment to be silent and still. In order to be fully present in body and mind, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Do this three times. Ask God to give you His wisdom today.
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Read these verses three times slowly.
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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Reflection & Questions
This week in our readings we have been considering our actions and attitudes towards those in authority. The timing couldn’t be more relevant. What’s been surprising perhaps in these readings is that the Bible’s words are very simple when it comes to authorities. Submit. Respect. Honor. Pay taxes. Because these authorities are appointed by God. These may be simple words but can be very hard to carry out. What will help us in this however is Paul’s words today in 1 Timothy.
He says we are to pray for those in authority. Again, simple words. Pray for them. Pray that would be wise. Pray for their health. Pray for their families. Pray that they would know God.
What’s so often our first response to this in authority? Complain. Judge. Dismiss. God’s will is that we would pray. That’s what our authorities need. Who would want a job like president, governor, or law enforcement? Praise God there are people who do – let’s pray for them. Whether we agree with them or not, they need our prayers. And God commands us to do just that.
- Take time today to pray for those in local, state and federal authority.
Prayer
Talk to God in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-4
Read these verses three times slowly.
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. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Reflection & Questions
This week we have been discussing our actions and attitudes towards those in our lives who have authority. Things like submitting, respecting, honor, paying taxes – all because God has asked us to. Today we are adding in another action – praying.
God says we are to pray for those in authority. Pray that they would be wise. Pray for their health. Pray for their families. Pray that they would know God.
Oftentimes when we are frustrated with someone in authority, maybe the principal at school, or the teacher, or someone doing recess duty, we want to complain or ignore them. But God wants us to pray for them. That’s what they need. Whether we agree with them or not, they need our prayers. And God commands us to do just that.
- Who in your life can you be praying for instead of complaining about?
Pray
Pray for someone in authority over you. Pray for their health, for wisdom, for their family, and that they might know God.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
