Praying All Kinds of Prayer

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. (1 Timothy 2:1)

1 Timothy 2:1 describes different kinds of prayer that Paul encouraged us to pray. Let’s look at a few of those mentioned.

Supplications are requests we make to God on behalf of others or ourselves. We can pray for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and intervention in the lives of those who either don’t have a relationship with God or don’t have the same level of revelation as we do. When we pray for God to forgive someone who has wronged us, it is a prayer of supplication.

When Paul mentioned prayers in this verse, he was referring to a broad spectrum of types of prayer. These could include adoration, confession, consecration, and more.

Intercessions are prayers that stand the gap for other people. Intercessory prayer can be powerful, especially when we pray in the Holy Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray God’s perfect will, even when we don’t know what that is.

Finally, Paul mentioned the prayer of thanksgiving. This powerful prayer acknowledges God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Gratitude opens us up to receive more from God and expects what He has done before He can do it again. It keeps our minds focused not on the problems that surround us but on the God who loves us.

Paul instructed Timothy to pray these prayers for all men, including our family, friends, those in positions of authority, and even those we might label enemies.

Practical Application

What aspect of these different types of prayer isn’t highlighted in your everyday prayer routine? Remember to include supplications, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men when you pray.

Nehemiah 1:11; Jeremiah 29:7

The Law of Seed, Time and Harvest

And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word. (Mark 4:13-14)

Every action, every word, and every thought is a seed. Your vote is a seed. Your attitude is a seed. Your forgiveness is a seed. Your gifts are a seed. All seeds eventually come back. When we sow with seeds of faith, we put one of God’s foundational laws into motion: the law of seed, time, and harvest.

However, every seed God gives us must undergo a process, and it takes time. Just as natural seeds require time to grow, every seed we sow also needs time to mature. That is why developing patience is vital to living a faith-filled life.God promised that we will reap what we sow. When we sow seeds that support and agree with kingdom principles, we can expect a harvest that will benefit our lives. However, there will be a negative harvest when we sow seeds that agree with darkness. Both harvests take time, so when you see evil prospering, know their harvest is coming just as yours.

Jesus taught that the Word of God is the most potent seed we can sow in our lives and others. We should be habitual sowers of God’s Word, constantly speaking the Word of Life wherever God leads us. When we enter a room, the atmosphere should shift from fear to faith and from helplessness to hope because we carry God’s Word, which always brings a harvest of righteousness.

What are you sowing today? What seeds are you planting with your words, actions, and attitude? There will be a harvest, but it will take time. Trust in God’s process and timing.

Practical Application

Consider your words carefully today and consider the seeds you are sowing. Are they doubt and unbelief? Or are your word seeds founded on the Word of God and His faithfulness?

1 Corinthians 3:6; Matthew 13:37

Generosity and Reciprocity

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. (Luke 6:38)

When you hear the word give, what comes to mind? Do you only think about giving money? There’s nothing wrong with that, but God wants us to do more than give money. He wants us to live a lifestyle of giving. We should also give others mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and prayer. You are sowing seeds into their lives when you do these things. God promised believers that when we have a heart to give and follow His directions in obedience, we will get a return on what we give. The return probably won’t come from the person we gave to but from others who are obedient to what God places on their hearts to sow.

Some Christians are quicker to give something financially than they are to give forgiveness. They are faster to give advice than they are to give help. We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit about what and how He wants us to give to others. While we know God’s system is one of seed, time, and harvest, we don’t give to get. Genuine followers of Jesus are givers because God is a giver. He loved you so much that He gave you the only thing He had one of, His only Son. If we are becoming more like Him, we should develop a habit of generosity.

God promises that our generosity will bring reciprocity. There will be a return on what you have given. That means the measure of mercy and forgiveness you have given to others will also be the measure of mercy and forgiveness you will receive. So, if you give no forgiveness, expect that there will be a time that someone won’t forgive you. If you are generous in your help and support of others, when you need help and support, God will put it on someone else's heart to help you.

Practical Application

What can you give today? A word of encouragement? A gift that helps someone? Time or energy? Ask the Holy Spirit to put someone in your heart to give to. Follow, obey, and expect to reap a harvest in the future.

Proverbs 11:24; 2 Corinthians 9:6