READING: 1 Timothy 1-6
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”
1 Timothy 2:1
I believe in prayer, but reading 1 Timothy always challenges me to pray more. Some scholars believe the Ephesian church had stopped praying for non-believers, so Paul pushes them to pray for “all people,” with particular focus on those in authority whose salvation could pave the way for sharing the gospel. In fact, he piles up the terms to emphasize multiple types of prayers for others: “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” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Via those prayers, God who “desires all people to be saved” (1 Tim. 2:4) brings salvation to those who turn to Him in faith and repentance.
Moreover, Paul desired that men should lead the way in praying, “lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (1 Tim. 2:8). That is, our hearts are to be right as we pray. The God who hears our prayers expects us to worship and honor Him as we pray, and we are to reject divisions that hinder our praying. The need to pray is so great, and the need to pray for others is so important that we should leave no room in our heart for selfishness and arrogance. Prayer is most effective when godly people do the praying.
ACTION STEPS:
- Deal with anything in your life that might hinder your praying today. Turn from your sin.
- Spend time interceding for others, beginning with those in authority.
PRAYER: “God of heaven, make me a holy prayer warrior.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Review and catch up day
