The Apostle Paul begins his instruction with these words, “First of all…” Paul is using these words to emphasize the importance of what is coming. Not everything in life can be FIRST. There are things that should be relegated to a lesser position in terms of importance. There are many things in ministry that are not first place items, not every person can dominate the first place position in your life, there must be a prioritization of the greater moving to the lesser. 

So what is this “first of all” that Paul tells Timothy. Entreaties, Prayers, Petitions, and Thanksgivings are the four items that Paul deems “first of all.” So what are we to make of these items?

• Entreaty is presenting a need to God for the sake of having it met.
• Prayer is the most general of terms that usually indicates the discipline of praying to God that includes the bringing of needs to him.
• Petitions are more of a formal presentation of request to an authority.
• Thanksgiving is an expression of gratitude or appreciation.

“First of All…” These are not ‘throwaway’ words that Paul is attempting to use a filler words. Therefore the emphasis of what is being said; any vocational minister must place prayer as a matter of first importance in any ministerial context in which they serve. Prayer is a reminder os who is in charge – GOD! Not staff, not congregations and certainly not senior pastors. Ministry is to serve God first and people second. Prayer is not a “cop out” but rather a release from the tyranny of the urgent – our first duty is to pray!

Paul’s use of the word “urge” is not him saying “pretty please.” The range of meaning of this first century term allows for Paul to convincingly win the debate to utterly convince Timothy of the first priority in ministry. That intensity is still present today – we need to be persuaded to make prayer first!

Digital space will not permit the volume of discussion on each aspect of the four facets of prayer. So how do we apply?

• At the top of this list is to make prayer a regular habit. Set aside time daily for prayer and reflection. Pray for those whom you lead. You can do this through the daily routine of life by developing a conversation with God all throughout the day in conjunction with set times of prayer. It almost seems silly doesn’t it to encourage us to pray. Reality says we do not make prayer a habit.
• Secondly, do not set limits on prayer. Satan will argue that you are not spending enough time in prayer. Remove that point by not setting limits on how long is long enough. Also do not fall into the trap of saying that my requests will bother God – “Cast all of your cares upon Him because He cares for you.”
• Finally it would be helpful to consider rejecting all substitutes for the real thing. Before you turn your computer on, before your smart phone, before your praise and worship live streams – KNEEL and PRAY!

What are you thinking on the subject of Prayer? Write a comment and I will do my best to respond. Share this post with a friend!

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