This jumps out at me every time I read it, in part because my prayer life is weak:

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 lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way… I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; (1 Timothy 2.1, 2, 8, ESV)

I’ve written before about the importance of praying for “all those in high positions:” government officials, clerical leaders, and business leaders. And we have no choice but to include those people in our prayers.

But this time, what struck me was what is going on in my own little neighborhood. There are 20 houses on our street, and there are:

• A family where a 21-year-old son has serious issues
• A lady about our age who has had two medical emergencies in the past few months
• A widow friend who has started a new arthritis medication whose side effects may be worse than the disease
• A pair of large, noisy dogs the family is trying to re-home, so far without success
• An emergency call to the home of the oldest people on our street.

I don’t need to follow all the ins and outs of the daily news to have things to pray about!

…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. (Ephesians 6.18, ESV)