1 Timothy 2:1 and the Subjects of Prayer

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1). While this verse sets forth four words to identify the attitude and contents of our prayers, it also reveals the subjects of the prayer: all men. Thus, our prayer is not to be limited only for ourselves, but is to be extended toward: saints and sinners; high and low; countrymen and foreigners. The Golden Rule compels it. (Mat. 7:12). The Great Commandment demands it (Mat. 22:39). Specifically then, for whom are we to pray?
We are to pray for our BRETHREN. James 5:16 admonishes to “pray one for another.” The church prayed for Peter (Acts 12:5), and Paul prayed for others (Col. 1:3; 2 Thes. 1:11) and asked others to pray for him (Eph. 6:19). May we be sure to pray for the spiritual condition and the spiritual work of one another, as well as their health and welfare.
Pray for those in DARKNESS. Jesus taught us to pray for the lost (Mat. 9:36-38). Of all things may we pray that men be saved! Pray for open doors; pray for workers in the work; pray for receptive hearts. While we cannot “pray a person into heaven,” we need to pray for their opportunity to hear the soul saving message.
Pray for the SICK and NEEDY. “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him…” (Jam. 5:14). Let’s pray for the ill; and as we become ill, let’s notify the church so that prayer can be made for us. We ought also to pray for the poor (Gal. 2:10), for their way is full of hardship.
Pray for our ENEMIES (Mat. 5:44)–not that they flourish (Psa. 73) but that they would come to repentance and be saved (Luke 23:34).
Pray for CIVIL LEADERS that they may enact laws which would not be hostile toward Christianity, but would rather permit it to flourish (1 Tim. 2:2).
Truly, as 1 Timothy 2:1 exhorts us, whether in private or in public, let us pray for all men.
Gary Henson