"I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men."
1 Timothy 2:1
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all,”
Paul is coming along side[1] Timothy as a coach comes to a player to teach him something that helps him be even better with his skills.
“First of all,” has to do with the importance of what Paul has to share. “Timothy, this is very important, listen well.”
“Supplications,”
Asking… Asking God to meet needs. Approaching God with petitions in time of need and asking Him to help. Prayer should be more than just “asking” for things, but “asking” is definitely a part of the picture.
… “for all the world … we make our supplication” [2] (Chrysostom).
“Prayers,”
Prayer is a general word that means any communication with God.
“But true prayer is the vehemency of holy zeal, the ardor of divine love, arising from a calm, undisturbed soul, moved upon by the Spirit of God” [3] (Wesley).
“Intercessions,”
Making intercessions, requests, praying for the needs of others.
“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).
“The verb signifies to fall in with a person; to draw near so as to converse familiarly” (Vincent).
“And giving of thanks,”
“Giving of thanks is an essential part of our walk with God. Those who lack a basic sense of gratitude in their lives lack a basic Christian virtue” [4] (Guzik).
“Thanksgiving, implying a prayer for the continuance of the blessing for which we give thanks.” [5]
“Be made for all men.”
Here are four ways that we need to be praying for people. All people! It’s not about just praying for our loved ones, pastors, and churches. It’s about praying for everyone. If there is someone you are hesitant about praying for, could it be that you have not handled your relationship with that person as the Word of God instructs? What do you need to do so that you can change your attitude about that person, and obey the Lord in your prayer life?
“We can find something to thank God for regarding all men. Even those who persecute us and are against us have a place in the over-arching plan of God” [6] (Guzik).
Dear Lord, I thank you for helping me to keep my heart tender toward all people.
[1] Parakaleo, coming long side to console or exhort.
[2] Chrysostom, as quoted in the Cambridge Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[3] John Wesley. John Wesley’s Notes on the Bible, the electronic version in eSword.
[4] Guzik, David, David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.
[5] Popular New Testament, A Popular Commentary on the New Testament, the electronic version in eSword.
[6] Guzik, ibid.