First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.
1 Timothy 2:1
The book of First Timothy consists of various charges to Paul’s disciple Timothy. The first charge (2:1-8) concerns prayer in the church. The fact that Paul mentions it “first of all” (v. 1) indicates that he felt it of primary importance. Note the four types of prayer in our verse.
Supplications, or petitions, refers to one’s personal needs: We must recognise our continued dependence on God’s provision. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man has great power as it is working” (Jm 5:16).
Prayers: This is a general term with number of applications, but foremost it indicates reverence for and worship of the One to whom the prayers are offered. “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Tim 2:8).
Intercessions: This word implies a personal bequest on an intimate basis, as a child to father. The only other occurrence of the word regards the eating of food that “is sanctified by the word of God and prayer” (1 Tim 4:5).
Thanksgiving: When we give thanks, we recognise that our blessings are undeserved. “Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever” (Rev 7:12).
These types of prayers, which should probably be understood as representing all types of prayers, should be made “for all men,” specifically those in authority (v. 2) and for the unsaved (v. 4). Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ will present our prayers to God the Father (v. 5) and the Father will ensure that He will answer them as He sees best.
May the Lord our God incline our hearts to pray much in our closet knowing that our God is able to answer our prayers exceeding abundantly above all that we could ask or think (Eph 3:20). Indeed, let as not neglect to pray much in faith as prayer is the lifeline of a child of God.
