PUBLIC PRAYER

 

TEXT:  “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (I Timothy 2:1, see also vv. 2-7).

 

THOUGHT:  In spite of the call to prayer that followed 9/11, the subsequent weeks and months have shown falling numbers at prayer meetings.  In fact, this century has been called one of the most “prayerless” in the history of the church.  Paul must have sensed this proclivity of human nature to neglect the discipline of prayer when he wrote the words “FIRST of ALL, I exhort that prayer be made.”  Then follows:

 

I.  The Aspects of Public Prayer.  The New American Standard version reads:  

     “entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving” (v.1).  These words are not redundant

     or hyperbolic; on the contrary, they are carefully chosen by the Holy Spirit.

 

II. The Subjects of Public Prayer. “…all men; for kings, and for all in authority” (vv.1-

    2).  Included in this sweep are all races of people and all ranks of people.  What a call

     to pray for all men and, especially, our President.  Even as I write these words, we

     here at the Institute for Biblical Preaching, Memphis TN, have joined The Presidential

     Prayer Team.  Over a million have signed up already.  How about you?

 

III. The Objects of Public Prayer.  We are to pray “that we may lead a quiet and peaceful

      life in all godliness and reverence for… God will have all men to be saved…” (vv.2

      & 4).  When you sum up these words, the objects of prayer are church-wide revival

      and world-wide repentance.  could any thing be more important in the light of what

      is happening both nationally and globally?

 

IV. The Precepts of Public Prayer.  “Therefore I desire that the men pray everywhere,

      lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” (v.8)  Whether in private or in

      public, prayer must be without defilement (v.8; see Psalm 26:6); disharmony (v.8;

      see Psalm 66:18); and doubt (v.8; see James 1:8).  This is a challenge to all of us!

     God give us the grace to pray with Samuel of old:  “As for me, far be it from me that I

      should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you” (I Samuel 12:23).

 

THRUST:  There’s a high and holy office,

                    Needing workers everywhere;

                    ‘Tis the highest form of service,

                    ‘Tis the ministry of prayer.

                                                                 S.F.O.