The Power of Prayer
"Only" a Prayer Meeting • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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The other day, I was watching a Lakers game, and the LA Lakers lost because every time they got the ball, they neglected the most fundamental shot in basketball: the layup. It’s simple, easy, and effective. It’s often how games are won. But instead, the players, influenced by the modern trend of the league, opted for the three-point shot. They missed, and in doing so, they lost the game. In the post-game press conference, the coach summed it up: "We lost this game because we neglected the most important shot in basketball."
Beloved, the greatest tragedies in the Christian life are not due to what we don't know but due to what we fail to do. We neglect the basics—prayer, devotion, and dependence on God—and find ourselves spiritually defeated. Let’s talk about the fundamental that changes everything: prayer. Lets read our text.
1 Timothy 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 Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Timothy finds himself in uncharted waters—both personally and as the leader of a new church. He’s stepping into the enormous shoes of the Apostle Paul, a mentor and friend who is no longer there to guide them. The congregation is made up of new believers, facing intense persecution, and Timothy’s task is to steady the ship in the midst of a storm. He’s young, possibly dealing with health challenges, and clearly feeling the weight of his calling.
To make matters worse, false teachers have already infiltrated the church, as Paul warns in 1 Timothy 1:3–4:
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith."
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
This letter is about more than ministry logistics—it’s about survival. Timothy is fighting wolves while leading God’s sheep. Yet, before Paul addresses deep doctrine, holiness, unity, or any other pressing concern, he emphasizes one foundational truth: prayer.
Prayer comes first. Before anything else—before any great task or monumental decision—we must prioritize prayer.
So, what does that look like in our daily lives? In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul gives us three powerful principles about prayer. And here’s the first: prayer has the power to make a real difference in the world.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
Point Number 1: Prayer is Priority
Notice with me that Paul says, "I exhort." He doesn’t simply command. No, he’s emotionally urging Timothy. "Timothy, I’m begging you," Paul says, appealing to his conscience. Prayer is not just a command to obey, it’s an opportunity to seize. If you're not involved in prayer, you're missing out. Prayer isn’t a side dish, it’s the main course.
Sub-point:
Paul says, "First of all." Prayer should be our primary concern—it is to be our first priority. It doesn’t necessarily mean "first in order," but it does mean "first in importance." A growing, healthy, vibrant church is a praying church.
The greatest movements of God begin with the smallest prayers of His people. Look at the Book of Acts: before Pentecost, before the church grew, the church prayed together. In Luke 10:1-2, Jesus points to the need for missionaries and then says, "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest." And before Jesus began His earthly ministry, He withdrew to pray. Maybe we should stop and pray as well.
1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. 2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest.
Point Number 2: Prayer Pictured
Notice that Paul doesn’t just tell us to pray; he pictures what prayer should look like. He uses terms like "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks" to describe prayer’s many forms. Prayer is to be continuous, habitual. As 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us, we are to pray without ceasing. There’s no "one-time" prayer here. Prayer is an ongoing practice, a hallmark of our lives. We can pray in different situations, for different needs, in different ways, but the key is that we must pray.
17 Pray without ceasing.
Sub-point:
Paul uses four terms to describe the nature of prayer:
Supplications – This word refers to specific requests we bring before the Lord out of our need for His generosity. Prayer begins by acknowledging our dependence on God. "Lord, meet us where we lack. Grant us what we need!"
Prayers – This is the most common word for communication with God, highlighting prayer as a reverent conversation with the Holy God. Prayer is not just talking; it’s worship. When we pray, we stand on holy ground.
Intercessions – This is powerful. Intercession means standing in the gap for someone else.. Church, when was the last time we carried someone’s name to God in prayer? Who are you interceding for? When was the last time you asked God to save that friend, that co-worker, that family member?
Thanksgivings – This word calls us to a heart of gratitude. Philippians 4:6 tells us to pray "with thanksgiving," and when we’re filled with gratitude, worry has no room to abide. Prayer that is mixed with thanksgiving defeats anxiety.
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Let me say it like Adrian Rogers would: Supplication—asking; Prayers—adoring; Intercessions—advocating; and Thanksgiving—appreciating.
Point Number 3: Prayer is Powerful
Prayer is transforming. It changes both the one who prays and the one prayed for. While church programs are helpful, they cannot change lives—only Jesus can. A church that prays becomes a channel for Christ’s transforming power. George Müller once said, Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance; it is laying hold of His willingness.
Pray for the Lost
Paul emphasizes evangelistic prayer in 1 Timothy 2:1. We are called to pray for "all men," not just those in our immediate circle. Romans 10:1 reveals Paul’s burden for the lost. Though we can’t pray for every person by name, we can pray for all people. God desires that all people be saved, and we should reflect that in our prayers.
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
1 Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Pray for Leaders
Paul urges us to pray for "kings and all who are in authority" (1 Timothy 2:2). Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that the heart of the king is in God’s hands. Even if we disagree with a leader, we are still called to pray for them. Through prayer, God works in and through leaders to accomplish His purposes. The goal is not political victory, but peace so we may live godly lives and share the gospel.
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever he will.
Outcome of Praying for Leaders
Prayers for leaders allow us to live peacefully and to shine as lights in the world. As Matthew 5:16 teaches, we live in such a way that others see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Pray God-Centered Prayers
Our focus in prayer should always be on God’s approval, not human praise. A praying church is "good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior" (1 Timothy 2:3). Prayer reveals God’s gracious character. He is a loving Savior, not a harsh judge. Salvation belongs to the Lord (Jonah 2:9).
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.
God Desires All to Be Saved
God desires that "all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:4). This is not universalism, but it reveals God’s heart for all people to be saved through Jesus Christ. Jesus is "the one mediator between God and men" (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Conclusion
Church, prayer is not just a tool in our spiritual toolbox—it is the foundation of our faith and the power behind all we do. The early church turned the world upside down because they were a people of prayer. They prayed in the upper room, and God sent His Spirit. They prayed for boldness, and God shook the earth. Beloved, don’t neglect the privilege and power of prayer.
When we pray, we unlock the storehouses of heaven. Through prayer, God moves mountains, changes hearts, and transforms lives. Pray for the lost, pray for our leaders, and pray for one another. Because when we pray, God works through us and around us for His glory.
Let me ask you today: Who will you stand in the gap for? What burden will you bring before the throne of grace? Will you commit to being a praying Christian in a praying church? Church, if we make prayer our priority, we will see God do exceedingly, abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine. So let’s be a people who pray, to the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. Amen.
