Interceding for Others

Paul writes to Timothy, his young son in the faith, with urgent instructions for how the church should live and worship together. At the top of the list: pray for all people. Not just for friends and family, but also kings, rulers, and those in authority. In the Roman world, those in authority often persecuted and opposed the church. Paul urges believers to pray for them anyway. God wants all people, including those who oppose believers, to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth of Jesus (1 Timothy 2:4). God’s heart is wide. Believers’ prayers are to match his heart...