The Precedence Of Prayer-1

The PRECEDENCE Of PRAYER—1Timothy 2:1-7

Attention:

Janet’s four-year-old likes to say the blessing at mealtimes, usually repeating the same short prayer: "Thank you, God, for this gracious food. Amen."

One evening, however, he thanked the Lord for the birds, the trees, each of his friends, & asked God to watch over his family & help them to be good. Janet was thrilled that he was finally praying from the heart.

But after the "Amen," he took a spoonful of stew, gasped, then dropped his spoon into the bowl. "I should have said a longer prayer," he said. "My food is still too hot."

Sometimes Prayer does not hold the Precedence that it should!

Need:

Paul exhorted Timothy regarding the place of prayer in the Church.

Prayer must take precedence in the Church.

When does prayer hold authority in the church?

7 priorities for prayer in the Church.

1—Prayer takes precedence when...

COMPREHENSIVE(:1)

Explanation:(:1) Multifaceted/Diversified/Manifestation

:1—“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, & giving of thanks be made for all men,”

Paul has previously charged Timothy to maintain the true doctrine of the Gospel of Christ(1:3). There are some ‘teachers’ present at Ephesus who are dishonoring the truth by teaching ‘another’ false gospel(1:3). Timothy is charged to personally confront these false teachers(1:3).

Preferably Timothy has learned from the very real danger of the failings of others—notably Hymenaus & Alexander(1:19-20).

It may seem strange & interesting that Paul “exhorts” Timothy, first & foremost, to prayer regarding this charge. Prayer is to be Timothy’s priority(“first of all”) in approaching his situation. We tend to employ our flesh immediately in a trying situations...A first-response for the finite. But for those living infinitely by Christ, we must commune with our God.

However “Prayer” is the means by which the “good warfare”(1:18) is effectively waged. Communication with God is our primary weapon of offense & defense in any situation even in overwhelming & daunting ones. Prayer is where the believer finds knowledge, comfort, solace, strength, power, intelligence, & generally the wherewithal to engage any task assigned by the Lord.

Prayer is a single entity that has many facets...

“Supplications”—The believing supplicator knows what is needed & lacking & seeks God to supply it for His sake.

“Prayers”—Uniquely carries a sense of reverence & worship directed only toward God by the believer.

“Intercessions”—Imparts the sense of closeness & communion of the believer with God. Reveals the confidence with which God is approached by the believer.

“Giving of Thanks”—Discloses the attitude with which God is approached.

“Exhort”—parakalew—To call to one’s side, call for, summon; 2) To address, speak to, (call to, call upon), which may be done in the way of exhortation, entreaty, comfort, instruction, etc.

“First of all”—prwton—First in time or place; First in rank; First, at the first.

*“Supplications/Entreaties/Requests”—dehsiv—Need, indigence, want, privation, penury; 2) Seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God or to man. Gives prominence to the expression of personal need. Refers chiefly to prayer for particular benefits. May also be used of a request addressed to man.

John MacArthur—”the root meaning of which is “to lack,” “to be deprived,” or “to be without something.”

*“Prayers”—proseuch—Prayer addressed to God; A place set apart or suited for the offering of prayer. Is a word of sacred character, being limited to prayer to God. Highlights the element of devotion. The more general term for ‘prayer.’

*“Intercessions/Petitions”—enteuxiv—A falling in with, meeting with. Expresses confiding access to. Gives prominence to that of childlike confidence, by representing prayer as the heart’s conversion with God. The prominent thought is that of boldness & freedom in approach to God. Used 2X—Here & 4:5.

John MacArthur—“It comes from a root word meaning to fall in with someone,” or “get involved with them.”

*“Giving of Thanks/Thanksgivings”—eucaristia—Thankfulness; The giving of thanks. The grateful acknowledgment of God’s mercies, chiefly in prayer.

Argumentation:

Lk. 21:32-36—““Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. Heaven & earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, & cares of this life, & that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, & pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, & to stand before the Son of Man.””

Mat. 26:41—““Watch & pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.””

Eph. 6:13-18—“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, & having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, & having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, & the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer & supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance & supplication for all the saints--”