2 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Do we pray first for those in authority? I tend to pray first for those closest to me. Here Paul exhorts Timothy to pray for all men but specifically leads off with those in authority. Have I missed an opportunity here in influencing my leaders with Godly influence because I failed to pray first for them?

I hope not and I know my God is a forgiving and faithful God but obviously He has asked us to pray so that we might have that abundant life we are promised. Sadly I tend to complain about leadership rather than pray for them. Listed in those instructions is giving thanks. Complaining isn’t giving thanks, so I have failed to be faithful in my prayers.

How much responsibility to we have in this world if we neglect to intercede thru prayer on behalf of all men? We pray for our Christian brothers and sisters, but how about our enemy? Aren’t they part of all men? Once again, I fail.

Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Awe come on, do I have to?

Hebrews 7:12 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.

Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

The law of love says yes.