Prayer is communication with God. We do this by praising Him, confessing our sins before Him, thanking Him, and asking Him for our needs and desires. It is our 'privileged communion' with the Creator.
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men. 1 Timothy 2:1
Let's break down this verse ...
'First of all' ... Prayer must be the priority of any true believer. It reminds us that God is in charge; not the followers, staff, or leader of some organized religion.
'I urge' ... This carries the meaning, 'to beseech or entreat'. What follows is not a command, but an appeal to our conscience and our love to do what is asked in Christ's name. Effective prayer is prompted by the inner conviction of its profound need.
Four types of prayer are mentioned ...
'Entreaties' ... All true prayer begins with a sense of 'need'. God always has a listening ear and wants us to bring our requests to Him. He desires that 'all men be saved' so it is most appropriate to pray towards that end. But individual needs may also be addressed ... of others first, then our own.
'Prayers' ... This represents a general term and always refers to coming before the One True God. It acknowledges the Lord's Name and all of His divine attributes. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. (Psalm 100:4)
'Petitions' ... Approaching God on behalf of others; it is asking Him to take action in favor of (or sometimes against) a third party. Petitions are not just rote prayers of advocacy, but expressions of genuine empathy, sympathy, and compassion. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. (James 5:16)
'Thanksgivings' ... This makes known the continual gratitude of the redeemed soul as it lists the blessings associated with one's salvation and knowledge of Christ. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We are to pray on behalf of ...
'All men' ... 'Everyone' needs prayer. Most Christians find praying for their family, friends, and loved ones to be easy, but it should not end there. We must also pray for our enemies and those we may subconsciously judge unworthy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)
Do we realize there is nothing the devil dreads so much as prayer? His great concern is to keep us from praying. He loves to see us "up to our eyes" in work - provided we do not pray. He does not fear because we are eager and earnest Bible students - provided we are little in prayer. Someone has wisely said, "Satan laughs at our toiling, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray."
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