Paul wrote a test in 1 Timothy 2 that is no doubt familiar to many:
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 2:1-4 ).
The passage establishes several truths. First, we are to pray for others. These prayers are divided up into supplications (asking God to fill a need), intercessions (petitions made on behalf of), and giving of thanks (thanking God for the express blessings that come from any particular individual).
Second, these prayers are especially important regarding those who are in positions of authority. They have the greatest ability to hinder our efforts to serve God, making it harder for us to please Him. That is not the purpose of authority, as indicated by Paul, “And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27). We have seen again and again in scripture how the people followed the example and leadership of those in positions of power, whether they be secular or religious. God’s intent is that they be good examples, and righteous in their rule. This is good for the entire nation, and helpful in pleasing God. As indicated in our text, it is what God desires for us! “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” (3-4).
This truth was also proclaimed by Peter, who wrote concerning the yet to be realized second coming of our Lord, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
God wants all to be saved. Fortunately, we can help in this in numerous ways. We can be quick to share the message of the gospel with others (cf. Romans 1:16). We can lead men to Christ through the influence we wield in the world (cf. Matthew 5:16). We can give generously to fund the preaching of the gospel through the church (1 Corinthians 9:14). And yes, we can pray for all men!
