March 6, 2004



Praying…With Evangelism in Mind* (part one)
1 Timothy 2:1-4

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people…

The Command
As Paul challenged Timothy (his younger disciple) to take a stand and stop the influence of false teachers, he gave him this command to pray.

We live in a day filled with many challenges. Our society is bombarded with philosophies and teaching totally contrary to God’s plan. In the middle of this struggle, we must also pay attention to this command.

Paul “urges” Timothy to pray for all people. The word for “urge” is a command and contains great emotion, almost to the point of pleading with Timothy to pray!

In his urging, Paul says “first of all.” This means to give it first place, a priority! Have you ever heard anyone say, “There is nothing else we can do but pray?” Paul says, first of all—pray!

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. So, what does this say to us? In our prayer time, we must include all people; not just our family and close friends.

Does that bring someone to mind? Is there someone you think could never be saved? Is there someone that you may not even want to be saved? Why not stop now and include that person (or people) in your prayer for ALL people. (put their name in the blanks below)

Father, I know that I don’t deserve Your salvation. Forgive me for not praying for those I don’t like. Right now, I pray that You would work in _____’s life and let _____ know that You have a plan filled with love and grace. I pray that You would draw ______ to Your salvation.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen

* these are taken from the Sunday night series on 1 & 2 Timothy, with Dr. Hipp