Rise Up & Pray

The prayers of a church reflect the priorities of a church. Our prayers reveal our heart’s focus, and tell us whether that focus is in line with God’s. “. . . Pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority . . . ” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NLT) Incredibly, this admonishment was written during the rule of Nero, a cruel Roman emperor who brutally persecuted 1st century believers. Yet God’s charge to His people was
not to engage in civil disobedience, but to pray for their rulers’ blessing -- and to live peaceable, holy lives in the midst of an evil culture.