Pray for Those You Struggle With

First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 
-1 Timothy 2:1-2

In Paul’s day kings and many in high positions thought Christians were a nuisance at best and a threat to safety at worst.  As Christians were being mistreated and villainized, Paul tells the church to pray for the ones that hate them.  Paul is convinced that praying for them is the way to peace, dignity, and godliness.  Prayer softens our hearts and does not allow us to become like those who put down others, or that raise contention.

Every person has elements of God’s deep love and image that are intrinsic. All relationships become healthier when we notice that God is inside of every human, even the ones that dislike us. God is also the relational energy between us that builds healthy community. When we seek God first or pray about our struggles and whom we struggle with, we are better able to see them through God’s eyes. Our interactions become more peaceful, life giving, and dignified.

May you remember to pray for those you struggle with this week. And
may your interactions create peace, godliness and dignity throughout a broken, polarized, and angry world.

Matt+