1 Timothy 2:1-8 The Priority of Prayer

Scripture Reading: Dave Laliberte

Intro

Building Update

Life-saving station

vs. 1 Parameters of Prayer

The first step is making prayer a priority is to understand the parameters of prayer

Prayer isn’t a one way conversation with God

It is more than just listing all of your rests

Supplication = Requests

Prayers = sacredness/ worship

Intercessions = Draw near to God

Interceding is standing in the Gap for someone else

Giving Thanks =

Giving thanks is one of the most important parts of prayer because it is recognizing what God has done for you

This has to be more than just a cursory thank you

Prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving are part of Paul’s formula for God’s peace in our hearts

Philippians 4:6 ESV

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

vs. 2 Pray for Your Leaders

The second step in making prayer a priority is to pray for your leaders

Romans 13:1 ESV

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.

vs. 3-4 Pray for the Unsaved

The third step in making prayer a priority is to pray for the unsaved

John 3:17 ESV

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

vs. 5-6 You Have a Mediator

The third step in making prayer a priority is to realize you have a mediator

An intermediary, go-between, or expert in divine things, not to negotiate agreement or compromise but to approach the deity on behalf of others, and so to convey desired knowledge and reassurance with divine authority.

Hebrews 8:6 ESV

But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

vs. 8 Posture of Prayer

The final step in making prayer a priority is to understand the posture of prayer

Pray every where

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 ESV

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Pray without ceasing

Lift up your hands

Fanatics

Chief Fans

Coldplay Fans

Comic Con

People are designed to be fanatical because we were created to worship

We’re okay going crazy at a stadium, concert, or convention but we draw the line at church

Psalm 134:2 ESV

Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord!

Maybe your prayers fall flat because there isn’t much life in them