How do you pray for others?

Introduction

1 Timothy 2:1–7 ESV

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

I urge.....

How often do you pray for others?

Paul is urging us to first be praying.

Paul then separates praying into four actions.

Supplications

divine entreaty — an earnest or urgent request (to God).

petitions (deēseis)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)

Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. (Rom 10:1)

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Eph 6:18)

Prayers

petition — a request made to a deity.

prayers (proseuchas)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. (Eph 6:18)

Intercessions

petition (formal) — a formal message requesting something that is submitted to a king (or authority); usually designating petitions made to God as King.

intercession (enteuxeis)

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. (1 Tim 4:4–5)

Thanksgiving

thanksgiving (act) — the act of expressing gratitude or showing appreciation to someone.

thanksgiving (eucharistias)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phil 4:6)

For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. (1 Tim 4:4)

Prayers affirming a true understanding of God’s law, Son, and mission dominate the discourse here rather than an intent to correct a pagan conception of prayer.

Robert Yarbrough

For all people!

populace ⇔ people — people in general considered as a whole; often understanding humanity as a collection of various people groups.

Paul also specifically includes kings and those in high positions. The high positions would be those “persons of consequence”

What are we praying (supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving) in regards to people?

Are we praying for them or against them?

There is a time for both, but what is your heart?

Imprecatory Psalms:

(Pss. 5; 11; 17; 35; 55; 59; 69; 109; 137; 140)

Lead a quiet and peaceful life

This is a desire for a life that provides favorable conditions for sharing the Gospel.

Titus 3:1–3 (ESV)

1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

Godly and dignified in every way.

This is a command to have a right attitude (Godliness) and right behavior (dignified).

The heart of the passage.

The central message of this passage is salvation.

Prayer, therefore, is not the topic of this paragraph but rather the stage upon which Paul bases his teaching on the topic of salvation. Prayer is the context, salvation the content.

William Mounce

One mediator

Christ is our mediator.

mediator — a negotiator who acts as a link between parties; sometimes specifically selected.

ransom (payment) — what is given in exchange (as payment) for the release of someone held captive.