Give me one good reason...or three

As Christians- and especially as Christian leaders- we know well that it is important to pray. But perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve heard some good reasons why it’s important. Well, you’re in luck. Because, in 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Paul gives us three good, related reasons why the church should pray.

1.    We should pray so “…that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”

In the context, Paul is referring to praying for all kinds of people, particularly government officials and civil leaders. We should pray for such people, he says, because they have the potential to make our lives as Christians not so “peaceful and quiet” and can make it difficult to live “godly and dignified” in the world. In other words, we should pray for those in authority because our ability to live out our Christian faith in our culture without hindrance depends on it.

2.    We should pray because it “is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Praying for all people Paul calls “good” and “pleasing” to God. The reason for this is that God himself has a concern for all people. In the context, this refers to “all kinds of people” (including those in authority). When we pray in this way, then, we demonstrate that our hearts are aligned with God’s and that we share his priorities. This brings delight to God's soul.

3.    We should pray because “there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus….”

Finally, we should pray because our God alone is the hope of all peoples. When we are lacking in prayer, we are essentially ignoring the fact that salvation is found in Christ alone and that the blessing of God comes only through him. We're telling the world to look elsewhere. When, however, we do pray, we are testifying that Jesus is the only way.

Seeking God with you,

aaron