Pray for everyone. Read 1 Timothy 2:1. In recent months and years, our nation has witnessed a church shooting, a synagogue shooting, and a mosque shooting. People with different faiths went to pray only to become victims of violence. In the first century, the percentage of Christians was very small. We read in the Book of Acts that 5,000 became Christians one day and 3,000 on another day. Reading the story, it feels like Christianity is growing rapidly. But it will take 300 years before Christianity is recognized as a legal religion in the Roman Empire. So when Paul urges Timothy to pray for all people, that means he is praying for people who pray to different gods. As we celebrate 250 years as a nation, we can celebrate the ability to pray for everyone everywhere. My next-door neighbor is Muslim. We have become friends, and we have agreed to pray for one another. She asks Allah to bless my family and me. I ask Jesus to bless her. Paul’s urging for Timothy is good practice for us. We should not limit our prayers to Christians or even to Americans. We can pray for all people everywhere.

God of all people, we pray for all people everywhere. Bless all of us. Extend your grace. Forgive our sins. Meet our physical and spiritual needs. Help us to live in peace with one another. Amen.