Praying All Kinds Of Prayers For All Kinds Of People

Learning to develop a praying way of life.

"First of all, then I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made

for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet

life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our

Savior." —1 Timothy 2:1-3

God is calling, through the direction Paul is giving to Timothy, for each follower of Jesus, to keep as first importance, to pray all kinds of prayers for all kinds of people, even kings and all who are in high authority so that life can be well for the people living under their high positions. Paul is thoughtfully instructing Timothy to equip the saints in Ephesus to develop a praying way of life, recognizing that praying to God is indispensable to a follower of Jesus, not supplemental.

Paul lists four types of prayers:

• Supplications: These are requests to God for His fulfillment of definite needs which we keenly experience.

• Prayers: Prayer is every reverent address to God. It is talking to God about anything and everything.

• Intercessions: These are pleadings to God in the interest of others. Here are opportunities to turn our complaints about someone or something into prayers to God, Who may decide to bring real and needed change as He desires. We can always pray in the best way we know how, according to God’s Word. Then, in faithful confidence we can leave the results up to Him and His perfect will.

• Thanksgivings: At the core of our prayers to God are those of thanksgiving. God’s Word is clear in telling us that all good gifts come from Him (James 1:17). He is our maker, redeemer, and perfect provider. It is to Him that we owe all thanks and praise.

It is valuable to remember that when we pray, it is God Who decides what is best for His people and what is most glorious to His great name. As we pray, we are not trying to convince God to do something He is unwilling to do. Instead, we are joining in seeking His will to be done here on earth as it is in heaven. God graciously uses the prayers of His people to draw them ever closer to Himself in Jesus, as He works out His blessed providence and perfect will to be accomplished as He desires.

A wise person once thoughtfully said the following about prayer. “Worry is a conversation you have with yourself about things you cannot change, but prayer is a conversation you have with God about things which He can change.”

As you labor in life, please consider asking God to help you develop a praying way of life while you seek to pray all kinds of prayers for all kinds of people; especially those people for whom you may not be inclined to. You can rightly rest in God’s gracious and generous care for you in all of life as you diligently seek to do what you know is best and leave the results up to God.

Ron Zeigler is the State Capitol Minister for MTS-Pennsylvania.