Prayer

1Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

‘Exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.’ Four duties of Christians: [1] Supplications (Eph. 6:18) [Greek: deesis] and entreating; continued strong and incessant pleadings until the prayer is answered (Luke 18:1-8). Translated “request” (Php. 1:4); “supplication” (2:1; 5:5; Acts 1:14; Eph. 6:18; Php. 4:6); and “prayer” 12 times. [2] Prayers (2:1; 5:5); [3] Intercessions (2:1; cp. Rom. 8:26-27, 34; Heb. 7:25; Isa. 53:12); [4] Giving of thanks (2:1).

We are commanded to let our hope be a joy to us, to show patience in all our trouble and to live in fervent prayer to God. Prayer should not be rehearsed, but a continuous conversation with God just as we would talk to those we love and find joy in our communion with them.

‘For all men’ – Three classes to be prayed for (2:1-3).

‘Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.’ Two things always the will of God: That all men be saved (Mark 16:15; John 3:16; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). That all come to the knowledge of the truth (Heb. 4:12; 2Tim. 3:16).