Changing the World Through Prayer

One of the most perplexing questions for those who follow Jesus Christ is, once we have come into relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, how do we meaningfully impact the world for change? Although there are numerous ways we could go about it, I observe that we often gravitate toward pure pragmatics. We are saved purely by God’s grace, then we try to use the world’s ways and human effort to change things from the outside.

While pragmatism has its place, God’s word emphasizes that true change in the world is supernatural and comes from God himself. Instead of constant striving, as if our efforts were the deciding factor in making an impact on the world, God lays out a different call through Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-6: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may live a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to entreat God, to pray, and to ask him for impact. We are also to be aware that God is at work and thank him for it. We are called to pray for all those in positions of authority and with governing responsibility, so we may set an example in our tranquil, peaceful, and quiet lives, practicing godliness and dignity.  I have rarely heard the Christian life explained in those terms, and that seems like a serious oversight. What Paul describes in this passage not only stands out like a beacon light in the world’s rat race, but it also is pleasing to God.

God’s agenda is not merely to fix the symptoms of a world gone haywire, but to cause everyone who will, to turn to the truth in Christ. This is God’s plan for changing lives and the world. Is it really ours as Christ’s followers?

In Christ,

Chris Heinss