Scripture:
Amos 8:4-7
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Luke 16:1-13
Reflection:
“Beloved: First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth.” 1 Tim 2: 1-4
I definitely need to take this scripture to heart about praying for our leaders. I have been remiss in this area, and I certainly don’t pray in thanksgiving for some of them. Apparently there is a benefit for doing so as this scripture tells us: “that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life”. It makes sense that if I prayed for them instead of complaining about them or judging them, I would have much more peace.
On a different front, God used this verse to help me come to peace about my own children and their salvation. When they were teenagers the possibility of one or more of them not making it to heaven gave me great cause for concern. As I prayed and sought the Lord about this, He put two verses together for me and now I don’t worry about it. He gave me the verse above that He wills for all to be saved; and then He reminded me that if we ask according to His will, He will hear and answer us. (1 John 5:14-15.)
I haven’t stopped praying for my kids, and now I pray for their kids too. I truly believe with all my heart that they will all make it to heaven one day. Praise God for His mercy and unconditional love that wishes all of his children to make it home one day. Let us continue to pray for our loved ones, for those in authority over us, and for everyone the Lord brings to mind!
Janice Carleton and her husband Jim live in Portland, OR and partner with Passionist Fr. Cedric Pisegna in Fr. Cedric Ministries. She is the mother of 4 grown children and grandmother of 6. Janice also leads women’s retreats and recently published her second book: God IS with Us. Visit Janice’s website at http://www.janicecarleton.com/ or email her at [email protected].