Pray! Pray! Pray!

Read 1 Timothy 1:1-8

In the Scripture we are commanded to, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV) Prayer is the lifeline of the believer. A believer that doesn't not pray is a believer who cuts off the source of his power. It would be like a scuba diver without his air supply. Prayer is imperative to the Christian.

In 1 Timothy 2: 1-8, Paul shares with his successor the what, who, why, and where of a Christians prayer life. He discloses the what types of prayer to offer at first in verse one. Then He tells Timothy who he should have prayer. In verse two through four, He offers reasons why Timothy is to pray. Finally, he shares where and how a believer is to offer prayers.

First, Paul speaks of four different types or phases of prayer. There is supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving. Supplications is simply asking God for something. Then he speaks of prayers in a broad sense, which means any communications with God. Intercessions is when you are lifting up prayer on behalf of someone else. This is “standing in the gap' between God and the individual or group of people. At last, he mentions one the most powerful forms of worship is thanksgiving. Giving thanks should be a very important and central act of a believers prayer life.

Secondly, the Apostle reveal who Timothy should have on his prayer list. It was a very long prayer list, because everybody was to be included! We are not to pray for family or friends but for all people which includes our enemies. This may be very difficult but God requires it.

Next, Timothy was to pray for kings and all those who are in authority. Early Christians often were considered enemies of the state because they claimed allegiance to one greater than Caesar. (This is what the Jews done unto Jesus in John 19:12.) They would point out they supported the Emperor or rulers by being good citizens and prayer for them, instead of to them. The Roman Emperor Nero actually claimed to be called the “saviour”. These is believed to be the reason Paul included this in the introduction of this letter to Timothy.

Christians are called to be salt and light in the world. This includes government and politics. We are to first pray for all figures of authority that we may lead quiet and peaceable lives under their leadership. We are to submit to authority until it usurps authority over God Word.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

(Romans 13:1-7 KJV)

Christians are to pray for God's purpose to be fulfilled in the world. This includes a quiet and peaceable life for believers. It also includes the salvation of all men that will accept the Good News of the Gospel.

Where are Christians to be in prayer? Everywhere. Prayer should be first nature to us. We should have a clean conscience and be able to offer up prayers without any doubt our prayers are being heard by the Father.

In conclusion, We as Christians, should offer up prayer supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving for all men. In any place. Our goals is to let God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We are to always pray! Pray! Pray!