In the second part of our study on “Pray for All,” we are continuing to look at I Timothy 2:1-2. In an earlier article, titled, “God Wants Us to Pray,” we noticed that God wants us to pray and that there are different facets of prayer. Let us continue our study by looking at I Timothy 2:1-2 again. These verses say, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.”
God wants us to pray for all. In these two verses, God encourages us through Paul that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men. God wants us to pray for all. Considering that we are commanded in I Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing,” this means that we must be of a prayerful nature. We ought to pray so many times that we cannot keep up with how many times we have prayed. Clearly, Christ is our Perfect Example of how we ought to walk and live (I Peter 2:21). He prayed very often, and so should we (Mark 6:46). I believe that Jesus prayed more than anyone else upon the earth. Let us walk in His steps.
If we are praying as we ought and if we are praying as often as we ought, then clearly we should have many opportunities to pray for all. Certainly, this does not mean mentioning all by name in prayer, although t is good to mention people by name in prayer, it is impossible for us to know and remember everyone’s names. We can, however, in general ways for all. Christ prayed for His Apostles while not mentioning them by name in John 17:12. In fact, He prayed for all who would become His disciples in John 17:20-21, while not mentioning each by name. Though He knew all, He prayed in general ways for all, and so should we.
This is not an impossible command. We could pray for all preachers and teachers to spread the Word faithfully (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15). We could pray for all Elders to oversee the flock of which they are members faithfully (Acts 20:28). We can pray for Deacons to serve faithfully (I Timothy 3:8-9). We can pray for all Christians to live faithfully (II Thessalonians 1:11). We can also pray for erring Christians to be restored (Acts 8:22-23). We can pray for our enemies to obey God (Matthew 5:44-45). We can pray for husbands to lead their houses well and for wives to be the helpmeets God has called them to be through His Word (Ephesians 5:23, Colossians 3:18). Also, we can pray for parents to bring up children the right way and for children to honor their parents (Ephesians 6:1-4). There are others who we can pray for and for whom we should pray. We can pray for the sick, widows, orphans, and the afflicted (James 1:27, 5:13).
In a future article, we will look at the subject of praying for those in civil government. Remember, James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Let us pray each day. Let us pray without ceasing!
-Jason Gann, TBC Registrar
