People Matter Daily Devotional: October 1

A Word From God’s Word
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, requests, and thanksgivings be offered to God for all people; for kings and all others who are in authority, that we may live a quiet and peaceful life with all reverence toward God and with proper conduct. This is good and it pleases God our Savior.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 (GNB)

A Word From Mary Ann Milak-Young
Have you ever been asked if you were to be granted one wish, what would it be? Sometimes I like to think of wishes as spontaneous prayers. If I had one wish to be granted or one prayer answered, it would be- Dear God, let there be peace on earth. In my heart, I believe that in a peaceful world where people coexist to work to the glory of God much could be accomplished. We could put all of our energies into; finding a cure for cancer and other debilitating illnesses, working towards eliminating poverty in our country and throughout the world, and working to preserve our God given natural resources- I’m sure that you can think of other causes to add to the list.

The heading above 1 Timothy Chapter 2 in my Bible is Church Worship. In these first three verses, we are being urged to pray for all people, and for kings and for all who are in authority. We are not asked to pray only for our nation’s people and leaders, or for those who are our allies, but for all people and leaders of all nations, even those who oppress and despise us- perhaps even more so for those. For as Christians we are taught to love our enemies and that all people matter to God. When we join our hearts in prayer, this is especially pleasing to God.

Mary Ann Milak-Young is the Care Ministry Team Leader Family/Group Support

A Word With God
Dear Lord, we thank and praise You for those who are willing to assume the role of leadership in the nations of the world. We join together in prayer, asking that You would guide them in leading fairly and with the well being of all people in their minds and in their hearts. We pray for our President and for the leaders of the free world. We ask that they be mindful of Your presence in their lives and that they turn to You in prayer for guidance and with thanksgiving. We pray especially for those who are our enemies. We pray that they would come to know You and through knowing You their hearts will be changed and a new peace will descend upon our earth, Your beautiful creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.