1 Timothy 2:1-2

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.

The Priority of Prayer

In chapter 2, Paul begins to detail just exactly how Timothy should undermine the false and distracting doctrines in the Ephesian church. Paul is not satisfied to address the issues in Ephesus negatively. He also intends to instruct Timothy about the proper practices of a Christian church. In these opening verses of chapter 2, we learn the priority the Paul gives to prayer in the church. It is noteworthy that of all the things that Paul could have begun his instruction with, he begins it with prayer. Specifically, Paul urges Timothy to lead the church in offering petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving on behalf of all people.

Different Words

Each of these words refers to elements of prayer, and should not be understood to be mutually exclusive. Petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgivings are free to be woven together and through one’s prayer. Petitions regard urgent requests of God, while prayer is a more generic term used throughout the New Testament. Intercessions focus particularly on coming before the Lord on behalf of another, while thanksgivings speak of one’s thankfulness before God. All four of these elements are to be made on behalf of all people, even kings and those in positions of authority, who, at times, might even endorse persecution of the church. Paul did not encourage Timothy to only pray for those who deserved it. Instead, Paul urged Timothy to pray for all, as broadly as the atoning work of Christ, even for enemies, as an expression of Christian love and ultimate hope in God.

Devote Yourself to Prayer

Pastor, lead the people of God to pray to God. I realize that prayer can be awkward at times and even uncomfortable in large, congregational gatherings. Yet, prayer is an indispensable element of congregational health. In Acts 1:14, we read of the early church “devoting themselves to prayer,” yet in this day and age, one of the surest ways to guarantee low attendance to a service is to call is a “prayer meeting.” Pastor, this must not deter us from prioritizing prayer in the church of Jesus Christ. Even if your numbers at prayer meeting are small, nevertheless, resolve to be faithful in this matter of first importance. God will accomplish more through the prayers of a few people than all the pandering to the spiritual immaturity of many people will ever achieve in this world.

CBH

For more resources on prayer, check out this blog post, entitled, “A Prayer for the Discouraged“