Word of Encouragement (8/4/2021)
Let’s continue our reflection on Paul’s commands to Timothy to pray: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim. 2:1-2). We have been talking about the primary of prayer. Today, let’s talk about the content of his command.
In commanding Timothy to pray, he lists different words for prayer: “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings....” Here, Paul is not giving a comprehensive list of different types of prayer. If so, his list would have included confession of sin, lament, praise and adoration, imprecatory prayers (in which you pray for God’s judgment on your enemies), etc. Paul is simply listing different types of prayers as an encouragement to pray “for all people” in different ways for all kinds of situations and needs. Even so, it may be helpful to go over the meaning of these terms.
John Gill provides his definition of each term in this way:
“‘supplications’, signifies such petitions for things that are wanted by men, either by themselves or others; and that either for their bodies or souls, as food and raiment for the one, and discoveries of pardoning love, supplies of grace, spiritual peace, comfort, c. for the other: and the second word, ‘prayers’, signifies good wishes and desires, directed and expressed to God for things that are in themselves to be wished for, and desired of God, either for ourselves or others: and the next word, ‘intercessions’, intends either complaints exhibited in prayer against others that have done injuries or prayers put up for others, either for the averting of evil from them, or for the bestowing some good thing on them: and the last word, ‘thanksgivings’, with which requests should always be made known to God, designs that branch of prayer in which thanks are given to God for mercies received, whether temporal or spiritual.”
Let’s make a few observations. The first is God’s graciousness in allowing us to pray for all kinds of things. We can pray about everything—not just for our spiritual needs but also for our earthly needs. We are mindful, of course, of what Jesus said: “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matt. 6:31-33). But this is not to say that it is sin to pray for our earthly needs. Surely, our good heavenly Father does not despise us when we petition Him for our earthly needs in our weakness and desperation! Jesus Himself did not rebuke anyone for asking Him to heal him or his loved ones. But take note: the emphasis is on “needs.” We are not advocating the prayers of the prosperity gospel for health and wealth. But we can pray for all kinds of things, granted that we trust God to give us what He thinks is best. And as we continue to mature in faith, we will learn to seek first His kingdom and righteousness.
The second is that we should remember to pray for others. One of the prayers is “intercession,” which is to pray for someone else. Paul also says that these prayers should be made “for all people.” Let us not just pray for ourselves and our families and our loved ones. Let us learn to pray for our fellow members in the church, for our missionaries, and especially for those who cannot pray for themselves (such as those who are gravely ill, who struggle with their faith, who do not believe, etc.). This should keep our prayer life busy and full!
The third is that we should not forget to give thanks—not only after God answers our prayers but even before He answers our prayers—because we are confident that our heavenly Father, who loves us, will not withhold what is good from us and do far more abundantly all that we ask or think!
Brothers and sisters, let us get busy, offering up our supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving to God!