“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. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.” 2 Timothy 2:1-3
As we pray, we remember that it is an invitation for God to work in our circumstances.
Prayer is labor. Jesus prayed all night. If you have ever prayed for more than an hour, you know that it is labor.
Prayer is warfare. (Eph. 6:18)
Prayer is a perfume; a sweet-smelling savor to God our Father. He keeps our prayers in a bottle.
Prayer is communication with our God.
We should pray with the expectation that He will hear us and answer us.
We should pray with worship in our hearts with thanksgiving for all that God does for us.
We should pray in agreement with each other and with the word.
And as we pray, we should confess our sins and lay our petitions before him in praise.
Some have prayed for long life, like Hezekiah.
Some have prayed for help, like Daniel in the lion’s den.
Some have prayed for mercy, like David in Psalm 51.
Bartimaeus prayed for eyesight.
Elijah prayed for rain.
Hannah prayed for a son.
Some have prayed from the deep. Paul prayed from shipwrecks. Jonah prayed from the belly of the whale and God heard and answered his prayer.
Some have prayed in the wilderness, like Hagar.
Some have prayed from the sickbed, like King Hezekiah.
Some have prayed in the street, like Jairus approaching the Lord.
Some have prayed from jail, like Paul and Silas.
Some have prayed from the cross, like Jesus.
Some have prayed from the church like the apostle Paul.
What doors prayer has opened! What battles prayers have won! What churches prayers have built!
Prayer overcomes discouragement, sin, sickness, and disease.
So as you pray, remember that prayer is God’s method to bring our needs and our petitions to Him.
