Thoughts on 1 Timothy 2: 1-4

I was reading this morning in I Timothy 2 and came across verses 1-4:

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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

The literal meaning of authority here is “the act of overhanging” or “the thing which overhangs”. Our husbands are our covering, our overhanging, if you will. Just as you would pray for any other leadership, so should you pray for your husband.

As I read, I wondered what each of those words meant, so I looked them up. Supplication is “a seeking, asking, entreaty” to God. It stresses the sense of need. A prayer is simply a prayer addressed to God. Intercessions means “a lighting upon, meeting with” or “a conversation” hence, “a petition”. It is a technical term for approaching a king. Giving of thanks is just that, showing thankfulness for something. (All the definitions come from www.blueletterbible.org searches.)

So we are to express our husband’s needs, pray for him, approach our King with our petitions for him and give thanks for him too. We may be tempted to forget to give thanks for him, but this is just as important to God as the intercessions.

I think any of us who are wives can see why this would lead to a quiet and peaceable life. When we are praying for our husbands, there is a peace from God that calms our hearts; for we know that we have done what God has called us to do; to be his helpmeet and his support. We have done this in the most important way possible by remembering him to our Father.

Some of us wonder how we are to preach the gospel when we are “merely” housewives. Here is one way to do that. You see, people are always watching, inside and outside the church. When you are seeking to honor and respect the authority God has placed you under, others take notice, especially in our modern “it’s all about me” mentality. It automatically sets you apart from those who would rather promote themselves. Our attitude is a testament to God’s offering of salvation and peace.

So as you go through your day today, washing dishes, running errands, etc… pray for your husband and enjoy the quiet and peace God is waiting to give you in your heart (not necessarily with the kids around).