1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.

Timothy 2:1-6

Questions for Reflection:

Think through your week. What are you thankful for today? Try and notice how God is providing for you not just in the big ways but also in the little ways.

How would you define "peaceful and quiet lives?" What attributes or characteristics come to mind for you?

Have you ever found yourself putting hope in something that cannot handle that hope? Are you doing that now?

Prayer of the Week:

Almighty God and Father, as we celebrate this week of the 4th of July we recognize that You have given us this good land as our heritage. Grant that we remember Your generosity and constantly do Your will.

Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life.

Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action.

Grant that we, who came from many nations with many different languages, may become a united people.

Support us in defending our liberties, and give those to whom we have entrusted the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there may be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, may our hearts be thankful, and in troubled times do not let our trust in You fail.

Lord, keep this nation under Your care.

Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to the other nations of the earth.

Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, and serve You faithfully in our generation.

As we move into the second half of the summer lead us as individuals, families and a church to hear and respond to Your gracious call on our souls, “Come to Me ... and I will give you rest”. Help us respond to that gracious call with this simple request from our hearts, “Restore my soul, Jesus, Restore my soul.”

Amen