Introduction: Pray For America! At this critical time in our nation's history, it is imperative that Christians join together in prayer for our military and our political leaders. How to effectively pray for our troops, our leaders and our nation during time of war and social unrest. 

It is not up to the heathen, modernists, liberals, families of the soldiers, UP TO CHRISTIANS!

Jere 37:3 And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal...to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, Pray now unto the LORD our God for us. 10 Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

2 Chron. 14:11 And Asa cried unto the LORD his God, and said, LORD, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O LORD our God; for we rest on thee, and in thy name we go against this multitude. O LORD, thou art our God; let not man prevail against thee. 12 So the LORD smote the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.

I. The Marching Orders of Every Christian v. 1-2

1. The Prayers
exhort= summon, to entreat, to beg for a hearing
first of all= primary, first in influence and honor
supplication= listing of need, asking, seeking, begging     focusing on the need
prayers= devotional fellowship with God,   focusing on God rather than self
intercession= a coming together of two parties for the benefit of another  focus on others
giving of thanks= for past blessings, for the coming answer   focus on the blessings of God

2. The People kings= leaders, commanders those in authority= elevated
We are to be involved in the issues of our time! Must know the issues to pray effectively
Separate, but not withdrawn! Once, all govt mtgs began in prayer! 

3. The Purpose quiet and peaceable life in godliness and honesty.

quiet= tranquility from without peacable=tranquility from within
That God can work in us and we can do His work in the world!

II. The Mission Parameters of Our Leader v. 3-6

good= beautiful, handsome, magnificent  Acceptable=agreeable, pleasing
come= move from one place to another knowlege= the acknowlegement
Our prayers are to be for the purpose of furthering the cause of Christ!
the soldier fights for his nation! The Christian fights for His God!

mediator= one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant
He is the one who brings peace!!
ransom for all = exchange of one for another so that I could still go free
testified of in due time

III. The Message Carried by His Officer v. 7-8
a preacher= a herald, a messenger with authority
an apostle = a delagate, one sent forth directly by another with direct orders
a teacher =one who reveals and imparts truth Jesus called this 40 times! "Master"
without wrath= natural anger, temper
doubting= inward reasoning, questioning the design of God in the mind

IV. The Missing Elements In Most Prayer-Warriors 1:18-20

therefore = in verse 1 of chp 2 points back to these verses

1. The Successful Soldier
charge= military command, announcement of orders
son Timothy = intimate friendship of trust and affection
war a good warfare =fulfill the duties of a military campaign, the general duties of soldier

Timothy was a pastor- a leader of Christians. Christian leaders do not direct the army from the rear, but lead the army from the front!

Holding= possessing and being possessed by, to wear as a garment

faith= unshakeable trust in the Commanding Officer. He will lead, protect, defend, win
and a good conscience= "the umpire of the soul" 
The conscience of man is the ground that God uses to enliven His word
it is shocked-----it is seared----it is silenced

2. The Shipwrecked Soldier

shipwreck= the biggest disaster of man's making in the known world. Likened to a trainwreck or 20 car pileup on the interstate. Lost lives, lost belongings, survivors suffering the shock of the wreck.

"I don't see anything wrong with..." Has your conscience deluded you?
Hymaneaus= belonging to marriage Alexander= man defender
delivered unto Satan= 2 Timothy 4:14
learn = to be instructed, corrected, chastened

Paul prayed, not blessing, but chastening on those who opposed Christ and His work!!!!!

Conclusion: What can we do for the troops? For the prez? For our nation?  We who know God can pray for them!   Prayer is not something to occupy our time because we CANT do anything else!