Series: Action [#205]
LEADERSHIP- PRAYER
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Introduction:
I was reading the story of Joseph M. Scriven. He was an Irish immigrant to Canada, who wrote a famous hymn in 1855. Because his life was filled with grief and trials, he often needed time with the Lord as described in his famous hymn, “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”. He enrolled in a military college to prepare for an army career; but poor health forced him to give up that dream. Soon after, his fiancée died in a drowning accident on the night before their wedding in 1844. Later that year he moved to Ontario, where he taught school. In 1855, his new fiancée died after an illness. After this, he could not keep a steady job and lived with friends. A member of the Plymouth Brethren, he tried to live according to the Sermon on the Mount as literally as possible, giving and sharing all he had and often doing menial tasks for the poor and physically disabled. Because Scriven suffered from depression, no one knew if his death by drowning in Rice Lake was suicide or an accident.
It’s a tragic story and, like all tragedies, hard to make sense of; and yet, God still works in and through our stories and losses to fulfill His purposes. Shortly after Scriven moved to Ontario, it is said he wrote the text “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” to send back to his mother in Ireland to comfort her in a time of sorrow.
“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”
Verse 1: What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!
Verse 2: Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer! Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Verse 3: Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge- take it to the Lord in prayer! Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer! In his arms he'll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
In our text this morning, Paul is telling Timothy the importance of prayer and its purpose. This is 1 of the most important parts of being a Christian. Let’s look at the areas of prayer.
1 Timothy 2:1-8
Prayer of…
1. Praise.
Praise is glorifying God for Whom and What He is and for how this affects you. This is the most appropriate way to enter into His presence. Praise God for His goodness, patience, love, wisdom, greatness, knowledge, holiness, power, glory, grace, and righteousness.
Prayer of…
2. Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is thanking God for what He has done and for what He is going to do. Each day thank God for material possessions, physical blessings, spiritual blessings, people, and Jesus.
Prayer of…
3. Confession.
Confession is agreeing with God about sin- It is your response to His holiness. Take these steps in your time of confession and repentance: Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal every sin. Confess each sin individually to the Lord. Seek cleansing, healing, renewing and deliverance from the source of the sins. Make whatever restitution God leads you to make for the wrong done. Thank God for faith for His forgiveness and go on your way rejoicing.
Prayer of…
4. Intercession.
Intercession is praying for others. Intercession is praying specific blessings for specific people: A member of the family, a Missionary, your Pastor, your Sunday School Teacher, a Christian friend, an unsaved friend, a political leader, or others who are on your heart.
Pray as specifically as you know how, and as the Holy Spirit leads. Then, faithfully record how God answers your prayers. Your faith will deepen and grow as you experience God working in the lives of others.
Prayer of…
5. Petition.
Petition is asking for yourself. It is your response to the power and wisdom of God, your Heavenly Father. As children, we don’t hesitate to tell our parents what we want or need. Take God at his Word as your Father with this same childlike faith. He always answers; and even though His answer might be “No,” be assured that it is for your best. Ask God for a vision and for a victory.
Conclusion:
I want to close with 1 last thing you must do- Pause for listening. Pause a few minutes. Let your heart be still. Listen to see if God wants to speak to you. It is important- After you have asked God a question or are seeking His guidance- To stop and listen so He can speak. When you believe God has spoken, write it down to keep from forgetting. Christians, you have the ability to communicate with your Heavenly Father. Are you?
