Paul says, “Therefore I [a]exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,” (1 Tim. 2:1).
First Of All Pray – (1 Tim. 2:1; 1 Tim. 1; John 17:20; 1 Pet. 2:5; Matt. 5:43-44). When you open the picture book of the Church—one image you see is a people of prayer. Consider Jesus He is the High Priest over the house of God—the church (Heb. 10:21). Jesus prays for all people as He said, “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who [b]will believe in Me through their word” (John 17:20). Peter describes the church as, “…living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:5). Therefore, as Jesus prayed for all – we also should do.
Too often saints live limited and self-centered prayer lives: Prayer “bless this food to my body”, “Now I lay me down to sleep”, “Lord I need”… Prayer only when facing sickness or hard times. This of course is good—unless it’s the only times you pray. Rather Paul mentions four types of prayer that must be offered up for all people and all the time. A solid prayer life has many benefits which we’ll mention later in this lesson. Prayer isn’t always easy. You remember Jesus giving a difficult command concerning prayer: Love and “pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matt. 5:43-44).
No one is to be excluded, the people of God are people who pray for everyone, even their enemies…