The priorities of prayer

I Timothy 2:1–7
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From his concerns about false teachers Paul turned to matters relating to the conduct of the church. He began with what he considered most important: prayer. What often comes last in the Church’s priorities should actually come first. Paul explains the different things that should be included in prayers, who should be included in the prayers and the results of such praying. He emphasizes the fact that thanksgiving (v. 1) should have a prominent place in the Church’s prayer life.

The object of our prayer is to be for all men (vv. 1-2) and the reason is that they might be saved (vv. 3-4). Although Paul did not specify here the content of these prayers he stresses that we should pray especially for the leaders of civil government (v. 2). As in modern times, it seems that some in the Ephesian Church were prepared to question the validity of a prayer for the salvation of all men. The reason this prayer is pleasing to God is that it is a prayer according to his will (I John 5;14). God desires that no one perish (2 Peter 3;9).

Paul points out these unquestioned truths of the gospel: (1) There is only one God (v. 5). (2) There is only one way to approach Him and that is through the man Christ Jesus (v. 5). (3) This Jesus gave Himself to die on the cross for our sins (v. 6). The Ephesian church evidently felt that the gospel was only for Jews. Paul stresses the fact that he is called to be an apostle to the Gentiles and to take the gospel to the majority of the human race who the Jews had considered beyond hope (v. 7). He wants everyone to pray to God, free from anger and controversy (v. 8).

Application

If I have sin in my heart the Lord will not hear me (Psalm 66:18). When I pray I need to spend less time talking about myself and more time talking about God. I need to follow the example of David in the psalms, who knew how to adore and thank God.