Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7)
There was a California newspaper article shortly after September 11, 2001, about how Americans were turning to prayer as a means of comfort during their time of shock and fright. Sadly, the article lacked any reference to God’s Word. Neither did it contain anything about The Christ Who is the only path by which man can approach God.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me (John 14:7).
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
Little has changed for the better since 2001. I hear daily about horrible events in the United States and around the world. Whether it is terrorists’ attacks or computer fraud, my loved ones and I are more vulnerable to danger than ever before.
While meditating on the above quoted Philippians’ passage, I realized Scripture admonishes me that my prayers should be much more than making requests of God about my fear or anxiety. The following passage commands me to pray for my authorities; that all unsaved leaders would come to accept the Lord Christ Jesus as their savior and that all those who are saved would learn about and submit themselves to His Word.
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-5).
With God’s Word in mind, I am further reminded to pray more with thanksgiving and praise than with fear and anxiety.
Dear Heavenly Father, I bow to You and praise You for Who You are. Thank You for watching over my loved ones in this dangerous world. May all those who are in positions of authority hear your offer of salvation through Christ Jesus and accept God’s precious gifts of forgiveness and eternal life. Also, may all of our leaders who are believers strive to attain a full knowledge of your truth and bravely apply it in wisely guiding our nation through these perilous times.
In the precious name of Jesus, Amen!
Virginia Ruth Fugate