⏱ 5 min read

Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

• According to Google, to “exhort” means to strongly encourage or urge someone to do something, often through earnest advice, warnings, or arguments.
• So Paul was passionately and strongly urging that four things should be done by Timothy and the Church he was leading (an in our day, by you and I):

1. Supplication:

This is the action of asking or begging for something (help or favor) earnestly or humbly. I believe this depicts the image of kneeling and clasping your hands together (e.g. in image below).

2. Prayers:

Prayer is basically communicating with God and it takes various forms. All three words listed in this verse (supplication, intercession, thanksgiving), and others not listed (confession, petition, adoration, etc.) fall into various types of prayer.

I believe Paul added this to mean, “don’t pray just the types I’ve listed, but include all the types of prayer also.”

3. Intercessions are prayers made on behalf of others:

In this type of prayer, you are selflessly standing in the gap for other people. It is sort of using your position, standing, or influence to plead for someone in authority (God, in our case) to show mercy or forgiveness or grace. This is what Jesus is doing for us currently (Hebrews 7:24-25).

But He (Jesus), because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. ~ Hebrews 7:24-25

4. Giving of thanks:

This is acknowledging God as our source and that He is sovereign in all circumstances. With this comes the act of giving thanks (saying thank you) and praise to Him for His blessings, faithfulness, and provision, etc. This also takes various forms and can include singing, dancing, giving offerings, etc.

Paul strongly encourages us to do these four things for all men (everyone or all people), for kings (political or government leadership), and for all who are in authority (all leaders in authority over you: husbands, fathers, bosses, pastors, etc.).

• Dearly beloved, if we desire to live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence, then we have to do the above.
• This means that a peaceable, Godly life can elude us if we do not pray these four prayers for these three classes of people.
• Perhaps now we will appreciate the words of Jesus that we always ought to pray and not lose heart, and Paul’s instruction to pray without ceasing.

 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, ~ Luke 18:1

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thess 5:16-18

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For example: If you do not pray for those who have authority over you, your life may become frustrated. The more we pray “Timothy’s prayer topics”, the more favourable the thoughts of people in authority (parents, bosses, etc.) will be towards us.

• Young people must pray for their parents and leaders in order to have the favour of God.
• Some of you have parents, guardians, and bosses that can change your life significantly if God will turn their hearts in your favour.
• Wives that pray for their husbands will experience this blessing of quietness, peace and a Godly, reverent life!

You will be shocked that your unbelieving or difficult parent or spouse will allow you to go to church and serve God! They will not oppose your Christian life anymore just because you are praying for them!

Dear friend, God can bless you through those who are in authority over you. As you pray for them, God will give you favour before them!

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. ~ Proverbs 21:1

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• May God turn the heart of every king in your life! I see many blessings rising up to embrace you!
• As you pray for fathers, bosses and presidents, you will experience only godliness, peace and quietness. Start your day with these blessings!!

Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
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Disclaimer: this post contains portions of messages and text originally shared by Ps Rick Warren and Bishop Dag Heward-Mills (both of whom are my mentors in the faith).