“Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute.” – 1 Timothy 2:8 (NASB)

Even if many of us cycle in and out of routines, not one day passes that we do not speak to at least one other person. Prayer, like talking, should be a well-assimilated part of everyday communication.

Sure, without any need for us to utter a single word, God already knows all our hearts’ pleas, all our fears and anxieties; He knows us better than we do ourselves, but relentlessly going to God in prayer is a deeply personal desire to stay close to and constantly in touch with Him, a reverence for His will, first and foremost, to always be done.

Similarly in this chapter, we see Paul prioritise the quiet strength of communion with God for the health of the church.

Paul calls for prayers “for all people”, especially for those in authority. The Romans were those in authority during Paul’s ministry. Although various religions find themselves subject to varying degrees of unfair treatment, Paul insists that followers of Christ esteem those in authority. God may have allowed their appointments, but His sovereignty far surpasses human politics. Faithful prayer in such manner is our reiteration and reassurance that God is above all.

Completely in-tune with the scope of human limitations, the intimate nature of prayer is proof of the little God requires of us in the fulfilment of His grand plan. Thus, no matter what our standing is in this world, it is impossible for any of us to live righteously, independent of submission to God’s truth.

In an age when disorder abounds, the daily devotion to lead a peaceable life in all godliness and dignity is also a daily struggle. Still, commitment to gaining this spiritual steadiness is an indispensable part of our upward call. So, is your heart’s cry a resignation to such a life in Christ?