Paul must have been exceptional in the area of prayer as well as in other ways. His prayer lists must have been extensive. Frequently in his letters he mentions how he was praying for the various churches and individuals. Here he passes on to us some of the secrets of prayer, particularly who we should pray for. This epistle was written so that Timothy would know how to instruct the churches in doctrine and behaviour. Paul makes prayer a first priority. We often fail here. Instead of making prayer absolutely essential, we pray if we have time and often prayer is crowded out by discussion, business or busyness. Notice Paul's word in verse 1- "I urge, then; first of all," then he goes on to list the various kinds of prayer we need to use. Four ways to pray are mentioned - requests, prayers, intercession, and thanks giving. We could add others such as adoration and praise. The first term - requests, might suggest that we should be more specific in our praying. It is easy to pray "God bless so-and-so", but when we know of a definite need in the life of a friend, missionary, loved one, church member, or unsaved person, we should spell it out before the Lord. "Prayers" could suggest general petitions while "intercession" is asking on behalf of another. "Thanksgiving" is often omitted from our praying. We need to be as specific in our thanks as we are in our asking. Can we check up right now on how many of these are regularly included in our praying? Then who should we pray for? The answer is for those who are over us in this world. How often do we do that? Paul says if we did we would live more peaceable lives than we otherwise might. And Paul makes sure that we know in whose name we should pray. One of the great truths of the New Testament is here in this passage - we don't need anyone else, Christ is the one and only mediator between God and man. He fills all the space between. Why not thank God today for this wonderful truth? |
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