Young People's Group

The Challenge to Have a Good Practice of Prayer

by Mitchell Tan
August 05, 2016

MAKING PRAYER A PRIORITY

Prayer should be a spiritual discipline that we practise every day. It should be our priority in our life and ministry. This was a vital principle that Paul instructed Timothy.

“Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications”
1 Timothy 2:1

Paul exhorted Timothy to make prayer a priority. Relating to God and praying to Him should take precedence at the start of the day and throughout the day. What are the reasons for making prayer a priority?

1. That we may live a peaceful life (1 Timothy 2:2).

2. That we may reach others with the knowledge of the gospel (1 Timothy 2:4).

The life we live and the efforts we make to reach out to others is affected by prayer. Let’s seek to make prayer so much more a priority in our life and ministry.

AN EXHORTATION TO PRACTICE PRAYER

“That supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men …”
1 Timothy 2:1

We should also learn to make different prayers for all people.

1. SUPPLICATIONS

“Supplications” are prayers made for specific needs. When people have a deep need, we supplicate for them with faith and perseverance.

2. PRAYERS

This word is a reference to the normal general prayers that we make each day.

3. INTERCESSIONS

Intercession speaks of a deeper prayer with regards to approaching the Lord God. It is to intercede for people with needs. We intercede on people’s behalf to God.

4. GIVING OF THANKS

We are to have hearts of gratitude for the Lord’s grace in our life and ministry. Let’s learn to be thankful to God.

PRAYING FOR OUR LEADERS AND OUR LIFE

“… For kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”
1Timothy 2:2

Paul knew very well how the kings and those in authority can affect life in general and the preaching of the gospel. In the book of Acts, we read of how charges were brought against Paul before courts and when those in authority were fair and reasonable, they would not find any fault with him (Acts 18:11-15). Paul would be able to continue to preach the Lord’s gospel. It is crucial that we pray for the leaders of our country. The way they rule the country is going to affect our nation as a whole and in turn, affect our lives and our efforts to preach the gospel. As we celebrate our National Day soon, let’s pray that we may have a tranquil and peaceful life, that we may exercise ourselves towards godliness and develop greater reverence for God. Let’s pray for our leaders that they may rule our country well.

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