A Praying Church on a Mission

First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority,  so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness  and dignity.  This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,  4who wants everyone  to be saved  and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

For there is one God  and one mediator  between God and mankind, the man  Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all,  a testimony at the proper time.

For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle  (I am telling the truth;  I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-7 CSB

Prayer Is Foundational to a Gospel-Shaped Church

• First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 1 Timothy 2:1 CSB

• Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up.  Luke 18:1 CSB

• Devote yourselves to prayer; stay alert in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 CSB

Types of Prayers

Petitions — Bringing Specific Needs to God

• First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 1 Timothy 2:1 CSB

• “Ask, and it will be given to you.  Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 CSB

• Philippians 4:6 CSB

Prayers — Worship and Communion with God

• First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 1 Timothy 2:1 CSB

• “Therefore, you should pray like this:  Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Matthew 6:9 CSB

• God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you. I thirst for you; my body faints for you in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water. Psalm 63:1 CSB

Intercessions — Standing in the Gap for Others

• First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1–2 CSB

• Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to interced for them. Hebrews 7:25 CSB

• But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 CSB

Thanksgivings — Gratitude Rooted in Grace

• First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 1 Timothy 2:1 CSB

• give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will  for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 CSB

• My soul, bless the  Lord, and do not forget all his benefits. Psalm 103:2 CSB

The Gospel Expands Who We Pray For

• First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness  and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1–2 CSB

• But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 CSB

• A king’s heart is like channeled water in the  Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever he chooses. Proverbs 21:1 CSB

Prayer Aligns Us with God’s Heart for the World

• This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:3–4 CSB

• Then he said to his disciples,  “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:37–38 CSB

• The Lord does not delay his promise,  as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 CSB

Jesus Is the Foundation of Our Prayer

• For there is one God  and one mediator  between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all,  a testimony at the proper time. 1 Timothy 2:5–6 CSB

• Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens — Jesus the Son of God — let us hold fast to our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are,  yet without sin.  Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. Hebrews 4:14–16 CSB

• Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 CSB

Mercy Moves Us Toward Mission

• For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth;  I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 1 Timothy 2:7 CSB

• Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.   Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always,   to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18–20 CSB

• How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him?  And how can they hear without a preacher?  And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. Romans 10:14–15 CSB