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Urged To Pray - 1 Tim. 2
Urged To Pray - 1 Tim. 2
While there is a strong emphasis upon correct doctrine in Paul's first letter to Timothy, it is interesting that he then gives such strong emphasis and instruction concerning prayer in the life of Christians. He begins chapter two with the words "first of all". This seems to be a Greek idiom meaning 'of first importance'. When the apostles were encumbered with trying to make a distribution among the Christians in Acts 6, they appointed other men to do this, saying that they would give themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word (Acts 6:4). They dedicated their lives to the preaching of the gospel unto all nations, even giving their lives in the preaching, yet they included in this the devoting of themselves unto prayer. I understand that they learned this from Jesus who taught them to pray both by example and instruction.
So, Paul urges that all men, everywhere would pray (cp. vs. 8). In such prayer he speaks of supplication, prayer, intercessions, and thanksgivings. Bruce Barton wrote: "The different words used for prayer focus not so much on different types of prayer as on the beautiful scope of prayer—that we can come to God with requests, needs, and desires for ourselves and for others. (Life Application Commentary, Barton, Logos edition).
Supplications (or petitions): means basically to make request concerning needs.
Prayers: the usual word for prayer, which includes a broad field of talking with God including praise, adoration, frustration, thanksgivings, etc.
Intercession: from the Greek word ἐντεύξεις. Lenski points out that this word only occurs here and in 4:5. He then quotes Trench that it means "free, familiar prayer such as boldly draws near to God".
Thanksgiving is the verbalization of our inward thankfulness upon recognizing that our blessings indeed come from God.
These are not meant to be an exhaustive list of the elements of prayer, but rather to show the broad interests that we should speak to God about. This list even includes politics, but the thrust of those prayers is that God's people could carry on their lives as Christians in godly and dignified manner.
Paul instructs us that all prayer is to be accompanied by a life of holiness: "lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling" (vs. 8). If our prayers are that we can live a life of godliness and dignity, then we make it our aim to live in accordance with those goals. In our age where outlandish actions and speech receive all the attention, Paul urges lives that are quiet (vs. 2, 11, 12). We are to fill our lives with good works*, and thus glorify God in our very conduct.
What are you known for? Let it be prayer, godliness, and good works.
Hugh DeLong
*Good works - 1 Tim. 2:10; 5:10, 25; 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:21; 3:17; 1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14.
