PRAYING FOR ALL PEOPLE

FRIDAY 6 AUGUST 2021

In second epistle of Paul to Timothy, he earnestly introduced the perspective of cultivating a prayerful lifestyle with actual knowledge of diverse prayers.

Reference: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV) "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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."

This is Pauline pastoral epistle addressing the importance of prayer with a direct focus on encouraging the church to engage in the business of praying for all people and other spiritually-related concerns. He mentioned these four important aspects of entreaty to God: Supplications, all prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, which can keep things under control in every given environment and society. Even in situations that seem impossible to control, Christians who rise up to fulfil these tasks, by engaging the help of God's Spirit, will keep every troubling situation under control and enforce lasting change. Let's examine them one by one.

Supplications: Supplications are petitions (specific requests). They are the lifeblood of earnest prayer. This means that the heart of our needs lies in our supplications and it gives us a sense of openness and sincerity before God. The Latin word for supplication is "obsecratio", which means entreaty, obsecration or appeal to God. By making supplications to God, you can never lose hope that things will turn out right. Sincerity of heart is the most vital condition for divine response to this kind of prayer.

Prayers: The latin word for this prayer is orationis. It involves all manner of prayer, such as vow, praying in the Spirit, expected desire, solemn promise, aspiration, creative or imaginative longing. Why pray all kinds of prayer, which also include supplication, intercession and thanksgiving? It's because Ephesians 6:18 (BSB) tells us, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints." By praying all manner of prayer, your spirit is active and alert, dominating your physical senses and world with all perseverance.

Intercessions: Prayers of intercession are prayers for others. It is the prayer that intervenes on behalf of another or others because they are the focus of the prayer. Intercession in latin language means intercessio, which implies mediation, intervention, and coming between. Intercession is especial prayer reference to the need of others with all earnestness. It is taking responsibility for another person's well-being, success, performance and wellness by praying for them.

Thanksgivings: Colossians 4:2 (NLT) says, "Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Thanksgiving is the core of true worship. It is expressing thanks and also being conscious of answers received from God, especially after effective prayers. It simply means that we reverently acknowledge the pre-eminence and sovereignty of the Deity we've shared our hearts with. He is all-powerful, all-knowing and Almighty. Our grateful heart recognises Him for who He is, what He has done for us, what He is doing and about to do.

Beloved, all manner of prayer should be offered on behalf of all people, including kings and all who are in positions of high authority that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is because such prayers are good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God, who wishes all people to be fine, saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Why does God desire all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth? It is because He doesn't want anyone to perish. Knowledge of the truth here refers to recognition and acceptance of divine truth. 2 Peter 3:9 (ESV) reveals that "God is a patient God who does not wish that anyone should perish, but that all should reach repentance." From time to time He shows His mercy to all, figuring on their repentance but we have to play our part through supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Jeremiah 29:12; Proverbs 15:8; Psalm 141:2; Luke 18:1; Romans 8:26; Philippians 4:6-7; James 5:16.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for your touch of speedy response in the request of my supplications, prayers and intercessions. My heart of gratitude for who you are and for your mighty deeds is exceptionally priceless. I'm strengthened in my Spirit to be energetic and incessant in the activities of my prayer life. Therefore, by engaging in the great business of prayer, I exercise pervading influence in my world and impart the blessings of your goodness to the lives of others in Jesus' Name, Amen!