Prayer Changes Things… 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing (ESV) Never stop praying (NLT) be unceasing and persistent in prayer (AMP) Pray constantly (HCSB) Pray continually (NIV)

Prayer is a Matter of First Importance 1 Timothy 2:1 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (ESV) “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men* (Greek - anthropos = people/humans) (NASB)

1 Timothy Paul is writing a letter to Timothy (son in the faith) – Chapter 1 = instructions concerning false doctrine. – Chapter 2 = instructions concerning the church.

1 Timothy 2:1-4 “ First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (ESV)

1 Timothy 2:1-4 “First of all” – prōton (greek) = in the first place / before everything else “Urge” – parakaleō (greek) = invite / persuade to make: – supplications – prayers – intercessions – thanksgivings

Supplications (intense requests) Greek – deēsis = is a prayer, petition, respectfully begging based upon a person’s need. – Not a general word for prayer but specifically a prayer of supplication. Deh-ay-sis is used for Zechariah’s prayer for barren Elizabeth (Lk 1:13) For Anna’s prayer for the long-awaited Messiah child (Lk 2:37) The Philippians prayers for Paul (Phil 1:9) Paul’s prayers for Timothy (2 Tim 1:3) Jesus prayed these kinds of prayers with crying and tears during the days of his flesh (Heb 5:7) And the Lord’s ears are attentive to such prayers (1 Pet 3:12)

Prayers (general word for prayer) Greek – proseuchē = prayer in general – It can be used for “a place of prayer” such as a synagogue or the temple, which is to be “called a house of prayer” (Matt 21:13, Mk 11:17, Lk 19:46) – It is offering up our desires to God – We see Jesus spending an entire night praying to the Father (Lk 6:12) – And Paul is said to be a man of much prayer (Rom 1:10, Eph 1:16, 1 Thes 1:2, phlm 4)

Intercessions (speaking intimately) Greek – enteuxis = petition or stepping in on behalf of someone else this word comes from a root meaning “to fall in with someone” or “to draw near so as to speak intimately” – The verb from which this word derives is used of Christ’s and the Spirit’s intercession for believers (Rm 8:26, Heb 7:25) As in the Holy Spirit throws himself into our case And Jesus is eternally meeting us at every point, and intervening in all our affairs for our benefit – It is to plead with God on someone’s behalf...but the Greek seems to show that this word is more of an approach to God in free and familiar prayer.

Thanksgivings (not about the Turkey) Greek – eucharistia = Simply Thankfulness – Paul emphasizes the posture of gratitude in the life of the church (Phil 4:6, Col 2:7; 4:2, 1 Tim 2:1) – The roots of this NT theme derive from Israel’s covenantal tradition where thanksgiving and praise were nearly equated as the necessary posture of a people blessed by divine grace (Ps 34:1; 100:4, Ezr 3:11) – Thanksgiving is directed toward God: for the past (work of Christ on our behalf - Col 1:13-14) For the present (as reflected in obedient lives of faith - Rom 12:1) And for the future (in the hope of all God’s blessings in Christ – Rev 11:17)

Paul’s Commission to the church… as a matter of FIRST importance….pray: the church is to lift up others needs, lift up our desires, plead with God for others in a free and familiar way, and be thankful for God’s past, present, and future actions.

WHY? First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

HOW? Ask Him what to pray for and how Be Still…listen Praise Give Thanks Confess Sin (Repent) Intercede Supplication Listen Ask Him, “Anything Else”?

Don’t Overcomplicate This. These are components…and a way God has designed for us to communicate with Him.

Tips Start with 5 minutes a day…schedule it (9:11?) A written list will help keep you focused If you get distracted… “take thoughts captive” This takes practice Don’t rush…practice silence Pray outloud / silently / type it for focus Pray before you get out of bed (short and sweet) Turn off the radio in the car…be still Before you throat punch…ask God about it Constantly surrender your best ideas for His Pray as you fall asleep (especially for those that have a hard time sleeping)

Pray the Psalms These are God’s own words FOR us…not just TO us. As you see something that applies, make it your own! WARNING: The Psalms are raw Festoon (decorate them as if you are filling in the details to an outline…make it personal) – Different translations will help

So What? Prayer Changes Things…especially us. What would our church look like if… What would our community look like if… What would our state, country, world look like if… “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14

Now What? Let’s practice what we preach. 5 Minutes Repent (“God I have gone my own way….”) Pray for someone else’s need Ask for what you need and desire Petition God as a child petitions his loving parent. Crawl in His lap. Thank HIM for What He has done, what He is doing, and what He is about to do