The Power Of Prayer (2:1-8)
Neal Pollard
Paul’s use of the word “then” connects his instruction to Timothy about false teachers at the end of chapter one with the sound doctrine that follows here. “First of all” appears to highlight that what he was about to say was of utmost importance. What is so vitally important? What true doctrine was Paul urgent to share? He is addressing the essential act of prayer. There is such tremendous potential power when God’s people take advantage of this blessing, but how neglected and forsaken prayer is among His people only He truly knows. God wants us to understand that He wants His children communicating with Him frequently and meaningfully in His house. What makes prayer so powerful?
Consider what prayer is (1). Some say Paul is simply pulling out as many synonyms as possible to urge Christians to pray. But as each word is God-breathed, each carries a particular dimension of importance. “It can be seen from this brief summary that prayers is the generic word for prayer; thanksgivings is expressing gratitude and thanks to God; supplications is asking God to supply the needs of the Christian community; and intercessions is praying to God on behalf of other people, particularly those who are not yet members of the community of faith” (Arichea and Hatton, UBS Handbook, 45). God wants us found petitioning Him, speaking to Him and making requests of Him. As such, He desires our expressions of gratitude for blessings given, our begging and pleading for His help, and our speaking on behalf of others. This is a great measuring stick for our prayer lives. Do they look like this?
Consider who prayer benefits (1-2). This is a discipline which is practiced by the spiritually mature. Sometimes, those who do pray lavish them only on themselves and selfish interests. There is none of that in this imperative. Paul calls for prayers for all people, for governmental and other authorities. It produces a good benefit for us when we pray for them, but God desires such prayers. Don’t miss that God is pleased with such prayers. It is “very welcome, being gladly received with great pleasure” (Brannan, Lexham Lexicon, np). Can we not say that prayer benefits the subjects, the Object, and even the offerer of prayer? What do we get from offering such prayers? Peace and quiet and dignified lives.
Consider who prayer is addressed to (3-7). First, it is addressed to the Savior (3-4). Second, it is addressed to God (3-5). It is prayed through the perfect Mediator, the “God-Man” (Jesus). But what does Paul say here about the One to whom we bring our prayers? He desires all men to be saved, and He proved it beyond all doubt by giving His Son as a ransom to pay our sin debt (a message delivered at the proper time–see Gal. 4:4; Ti. 1:2). He wants all to know the truth, proven by His appointing men like Paul as preachers and apostles to teach the truth (7). These verses have been summarized as one God, one Mediator, and one mission (Robinson, Opening Up Commentary, 38).
Consider who prayer is to be led by (8). Again, so that we do not miss the point stressed in context, Paul says “I desire then that in every place the men should pray” (8a). How pleased He is when Christians, discussing a matter of any importance with each other, pause in the discussion to say, “Let’s pray about this.” When elders, who are visited by members or who discuss the vital work of the church, cannot close the discussion without saying, “Let’s pray about this.” When friends, spouses, families, and other Christians cannot but insert prayer into whatever is happening.
But do not miss that something more specific is being instructed here. Paul is talking about public prayer and who God wants leading it. The word for “men” is the gender-specific “male.” Paul is about to teach that women are not to lead in the acts of worship (11-12); the men are. Which men? Those whose hands are holy (Ps. 24:4; Js. 4:8). How can we tell? Angry, quarrelsome men do not have holy hands. Any man who is living his life in defiance of God’s will has impure hands and is not suited to lead us in this sacred act. What about the man who can only manage to get to worship every few weeks or month or so? What about the man known to the community for his foul mouth, his hot temper, his sexually suggestive speech, his indiscretion with the opposite sex, and the like? The exercise of prayer is so eternally vital that God demands righteous Christian men be the ones leading it.
How powerful is prayer? Ask Solomon (1 Ki. 3:3-9). Ask Jabez (1 Chron. 4:9-10). Ask Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:6-12). Ask Hezekiah (Isa. 38). Ask the saints in Jerusalem (Acts 4:24-31). Ask Paul and Silas (Acts 16:25). How powerful is prayer? Think back to the countless times and ways God has responded in infinite wisdom and power to your entreaties, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. It will make you spontaneously declare, “God is so good to me!”
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