Standing in the Gap

Think of the ship's watchman standing at the bow watching for dangers at sea. A sudden squal, rocky shoals, turbulent seas. His eye is set on the horizon. The first mate stands between disaster and safety for the ship. One of the things believers are called to do is pray. The Apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:18, "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Praying for the "Saints" or other believers is pretty easy. How about government officials? Yes, Paul includes them also in 1 Timothy 2:1-3, "First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior," This shows who are included with those "in authority". That would also mean magistrates, judges, congressmen and many more power figures. Why pray for them? Well, partly so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives. Can you imagine a world with absolutely no authority in place? Chaos! That is a far cry from a peaceful and quiet life. Fact is, all authority is relative to the Father and Creator, Yahweh. This power is His to delegate. Roman's 13:1 makes it quite clear:"Let every person be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." We are to intercede as fellow workers with God to bring about His will. Part of that will is for all people to be saved but it is also so that everyone will hear the saving message of His grace to that end. That's why we should watch and pray. We are ready and alert for opportunities to "stand in the gap" for all who would need our help through prayer no matter what their assigned stations.