Young People's Group

MAKING PRAYER A PRIORITY OF LIFE

by Pastor Mitch
May 08, 2011

The Encouragement To Pray First Above All Things

Prayer should always be our first priority. Before we decide on any matter and do anything with reference to God or self, our commitment above all is to pray.

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men” 
1 Timothy 2:1

The Apostle Paul saw the importance of prayer in life and ministry. He exhorted his spiritual son Timothy to make prayer a priority. He was to entreat God and to intercede for all men. There are different types of prayer to be engaged in. Young people, let’s learn how to pray so much more and in deeper ways. Timothy was to also learn how to give thanks to God for all men. Young people, has God brought people into our lives that we can be thankful for? Most of us would say that we have. Let’s learn to choose to pray in all matters of life. Let’s also learn to be thankful for what God has blessed us with.

Praying For Those In Authority

“For kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour” 
1 Timothy 2:2-3

Paul exhorted Timothy to pray for kings and those who were ruling over them. They were to pray for those who were in authority, like the Roman governors. The purpose of praying for rulers is with reference to living a peaceful life so that Christians could focus on working towards godliness and honouring God. When those in authority rule over the people well, there would be peace in the land. There would not be internal turmoil. God sees this as something that is good and acceptable in His sight. Young people, let’s pray for our government. Let’s take time to supplicate for them. How they rule and who rules over us will affect our lives. Let’s pray that God’s mercies will be upon our nation.

Praying With God’s Desires In Mind

“Who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 
1 Timothy 2:4

Ultimately, we want to pray with God’s desires in mind. His desire is for all men to come to the saving knowledge of the truths of the gospel. God has no desire for anyone to be condemned to hell. His personal wish is for all to be saved. The Lord Jesus gave Himself as a ransom for all men. He did not just die for those who would be saved. He died for the whole world. Let’s pray with faith and with the Lord’s desire for all souls to be won to Him in mind. Let’s pray that we will have peace in the land and that there would be many opportunities for non-believers to hear the gospel. Let’s pray that the word of the gospel would spread and that many might come to believe in our Lord Jesus.

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