March 8, 2004


Praying…With Evangelism in Mind* (part three)
1 Timothy 2:1-4

· (COMMAND) "I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. As you make your requests, plead for God's mercy upon them, and give thanks."

· (Special Request) Pray this way for kings and all others who are in authority,

· (Results) …in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

Results
Prayer does a work in us… as God does a work in our world.

We need to know that God uses our prayers to change things around us as He accomplishes His work. As we pray, God deals with authorities and circumstances to change our world.

Notice the purposeful connecting words "in order that." This is like a flag indicating the results that follow our praying…a tranquil and quiet life.

When I think of the words "tranquil and quiet" it brings to mind a secluded vacation site. Since I am highly motivated, it almost sounds like it could get boring if it lasts too long! But that is not the result that Paul was encouraging for the church's prayer.

The words translated "tranquil" and "quiet" are rare adjectives and have very limited usage in the New Testament. "Tranquil" refers to conflicts on the outside; "quiet" refers to conflicts on the inside.

We should pray expecting God to work through authority to remove the barriers and external conflicts at our workplace, in our society, etc. Especially if those conflicts are hindering us from telling others about Christ!

We should also experience the inner quiet that results from our praying; a confidence that God is at work and we know He will win! Our genuine and diligent praying will result in the proper attitude (godliness) and corresponding behavior (dignity).

Through conflicts removed or conflicts endured, we have one aim: God, working through us, telling our world about the Savior!

Father,
Help me to pray with a clear expectation of results. I know that You want to change me as I pray. Work in my every circumstance to remove the barriers that keep me from telling others about Christ. And, if I'm seeing it wrong, change me!

Let my heart rest in total confidence in You. Let my attitude and life-style draw others to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

I pray this prayer in His Name, Amen.