1. Paul’s Exhortation To… 1 Timothy 2:1-8

2. Paul on Prayer: 1 Timothy 2:1-8 We learn in the NT about the importance of prayer; the need for prayer; the how of prayer; etc. Paul teaches about the grand privilege of prayer We have different types of prayers, but do we use all of them to our advantage? We have a wide scope in prayer, but do we restrict ourselves unecessarily?

3. Priority: “First of All” Prayer should be a priority in our life As a child grows and learns the skills to speak, so a Christian grows and learns the skills in prayer… – Faith that God hears and responds – Practice in going to him in all types of situations – Learning the conditions of acceptable prayer

4. Variety: “Supplications…” Faithful Christians have different ways that they can communicate with God “Supplications” (Gr. deesis) = a wanting; a need “Prayers” (Gr. proseuchas) = prayer in general “Intercessions” (Gr. enteuxis) = asking on behalf of another “Thanksgivings” (Gr. eucharistias) = expressing gratitude

5. Variety: “Supplications…” We communicate often with close friends (texting, Facebook, etc.) … what about with God? Have we formed the habit of going to God … – Only at mealtime? – Only when things are going badly? – Only when things are going smoothly? – Only out of mere ritual or routine?

6. Scope: “For All Men” Are we too narrow in our interest and concern for others that we do not care to pray for them? Are we too time conscious that we do not make time to pray for others? Are we too faithless that we do not believe God will actually do anything for others (Neh. 1-2)?

7. Purpose: “Peaceful Life” What is the end (aim, goal) of our prayers? A tranquil and quiet (peaceful) life (2 Chron. 20:30; Prov. 16:7) In all godliness and gravity (dignity)

8. Good and Acceptable: “God Our Savior” Salvation comes through knowledge of the truth given to all men Salvation comes through Jesus Christ the ransom for all men Salvation comes through preaching and teaching the truth to all men

9. Manner: “Holy Hands” “Everywhere” prayer may be offered and God can be reached: no dropped calls, no busy signals, no placed on hold, no voicemail … with God “Holy hands” keep the line of communication open with God (Psa. 24:4; 1 Pet. 3:10-12) “Wrath” (Gr. orge) and “disputing” (Gr. dialogismou) close the line of communication with God

10. Paul’s Exhortation to Prayer Powerful Privilege of Prayer Take Advantage in Every Kind of Day To Offer Every Kind of Prayer For Every Kind of Person In Every Kind of Place With Every Kind of Holiness