Paul’s Call to Prayer

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. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Paul was writing to Timothy, a pastor of a New Testament church, about the importance of prayer. Paul didn’t request prayer as a favor or as a “maybe you do, or maybe you don’t” suggestion. He used the emphatic word exhort to express his desire for the church to engage in prayer. That word serves as a call to action, an urgent plea from Paul to Christians everywhere. Paul was essentially banging on the table, saying, “Pay attention! This is critically important!” What was so critically important to Paul? That believers, “first of all,” meaning before any opinions, debates, or complaining sessions, should pray.

Paul outlined four specific ways that believers are called to pray:

• Supplications are specific, targeted requests. Our supplications involve bringing God what we know and are believing for and submitting them to His plan.

• Prayers - this refers to general communication with God. It is how we talk to Him about our thoughts, lives, and desires for His insights and direction.

• Intercessions refer to standing in the gap for others, including those who are lost, those you may not like, or those with whom you disagree.

• Giving of thanks - thanking God for hearing and answering our prayers in the past, and thanking Him for the future plan we embrace by faith.

However, we are called to pray not only for our families and communities but, as Paul stated, “for all men,” including “kings and for all that are in authority,”  regardless of whether we like or agree with them. Why? Because their decisions affect us. If we believe that God can change hearts, we should actively pray for our leaders, knowing that those prayers can open doors for God to intervene in their lives.

Practical Application

Today, pray for your government officials, including those you don’t like. Pray for wisdom, godly guidance, and righteousness to prevail.

Ezra 6:10; Nehemiah 1:11

Lifting Holy Hands

I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:8)

Paul was a no-nonsense leader. When he received an instruction from God, he made sure it was carried out. That’s why Paul used such emphatic language when discussing the way people should approach prayer. His phrase “I will” in this context didn’t imply “If you feel like it” or “if it’s convenient.” He declared, “This is God’s will, which means it should also be our will.” Prayer is not confined to a church building or a corner of someone’s house. Prayer is intended to happen everywhere—whether at home, in the car, at work, or even in the grocery store. We are called to live a life of constant prayer.

However, Paul explained the posture he wanted believers to adopt during prayer. He said he wanted believers to pray by lifting up holy hands. Some may observe Christians raising their hands and question why, but the Bible provides clear reasons for this practice.

• When we raise our hands, we acknowledge God’s authority. It’s a gesture of acceptance of God’s will and ways as superior to our own.

• Lifting our hands is an act of surrender. Just like when a police officer says, “Put your hands up,” we understand that raising our hands is a universal sign of surrender. As we pray and lift our hands, we are expressing, “Lord, I surrender everything in my life to your will.”

  
  

At the end of this verse, Paul provided an essential instruction on the attitude we must take in prayer: We must do this “without wrath and doubting.” Anger and arguments can hinder prayer. If we approach God with bitterness, skepticism, and frustration, we don’t have the right heart to expect Him to move. We must come to God full of faith and expectation, allowing Him to wipe away any of the pain of the past.

Practical Application

Don’t hesitate to physically express your reverence to God in prayer by raising your hands or bowing your head. Before praying for someone or something, ask God to remove any anger and doubt, and expect that things will change when you pray.

Psalm 63:4; James 4:8

God is Faithful to Forgive

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

God hasn’t called us to be perfect. He knew we wouldn’t be and provided a way to overcome our faults and mistakes through a powerful concept called “confession.” The term confess means to acknowledge or agree with God about something. In 1 John 1:9, it primarily pertains to agreeing that we have sinned. John wrote that God is faithful and just when we align our thoughts with Him. 

The term faithful indicates that God can be relied upon. He has a proven history of mercy and love. The term just suggests that God doesn’t simply overlook the sin in our lives; instead, the Father sent Jesus to be the sacrifice, allowing God to legally forgive us since Jesus has already paid the price for our transgressions.

Also, 1 John 1:9 features a powerful little three-letter word: “all.” John didn’t specify that God forgives us only for minor unrighteousness; he simply stated “all.” It doesn’t matter if you perceive it as small or too big; God is ready, willing, and able to forgive and cleanse you completely—if you choose to agree with Him and confess.

The verse starts with “if we confess,” suggesting that a choice is required. If we choose not to confess, deny our wrongdoing, act as if we were justified in our actions, or offer excuses for why God’s law should not apply to us, we damage our relationship with God.

We should not be afraid to present our wrongs to God. We are called to boldly approach God’s throne of grace, knowing that the first thing we will encounter is His mercy. Mercy applies when we are undeniably guilty; yet, God does not give us what we deserve.

Instead, He offers us what He chooses to give. When we accept that mercy and approach the throne of grace, we realize that grace is the power of the Holy Spirit that changes us and strengthens us as we move forward and grow, so we don’t continue making the same mistakes repeatedly.

Practical Application

Confession isn't about admitting that you are bad; instead, it's about acknowledging that God is right. It means agreeing with His ways and what He says about you. Don’t cling to guilt and shame; once you recognize sin, go to God. He is faithful to forgive and cleanse.

Hebrews 4:16; Psalm 32:5