“A true follower of Jesus never becomes accustomed to the sound of footsteps headed for hell.”
“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.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3
Way to go Hallow!
You may be wondering who or what is Hallow. It is an app for your device developed by the American Catholic Church. Its purpose is to assist one in their prayer life. Why do I cheer it? Because last night, again and again, Hallow ran a commercial about their app. Depicting a man who was listening to election results on his radio. Just as the announcer said, “The next president of the United States…”, he turns off the radio. Sits down to his kitchen table, touches the app which gives him a meditation of praying for those who govern. Then, having bowed his head, the man prays aloud, “I trust you Jesus.”
There you go. With all the static, shrill, and sustained noise of the election cycle, how good it is to have some resolution and quiet this morning. Two aspects of the Christian discipline of waiting is to be still and silent. It’s used to recenter oneself. To be calmed and allow the internal noise to die down and the waves of anxiety to be still.
Surely, we all want our nation to be peaceful and quiet. But Paul’s words to Timothy give us a charge to pray for all those in authority. I have often felt compassion for President Biden. How does it feel to be the person in the “most powerful office in the world”, and yet at times feel the fear that comes with a falling mental acuity? No matter how we voted or hoped for the election to go, we as the Body of Christ at RiverStone are to be united in our prayers for all those elected or serving in authority.
Paul’s charge goes further. The longed-for peace and quiet provide an environment that enables people to be more open to the grace and truth of the Gospel in Jesus Christ. Join with me in praying for all those in authority, even those with whom we may strongly disagree. Pray for opportunities where we as Christ followers may gain hearing.
May we be faithful in this and other seasons to Love,Follow, and Serve Jesus!
Pastor Brian
“A church that neglects prayer becomes disunited, scattered, lethargic, all but dead.” Charles Spurgeon
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