Focal passage: 1 Timothy 2:1-8
Many believers would admit to wanting to grow in prayer. Growing in this discipline takes time and practice. While prayer is simply a conversation with God, it is a very important and essential part in our relationship with God. Prayer is one of the ways that God invites us to know Him more fully. It is also a way in which God invites us to be a part of His work. Through prayer, God allows us to join Him in bringing others to faith in Christ. Thankfully, scripture tells us how we can get started in our desire to grow in prayer.
The Bible instructs us to pray for all people – emphasis on all. In His first letter to Timothy, Paul explains for whom we can pray. Everyone! He specifically mentioned praying for leaders and those in high positions. He emphasized that such prayers are important for us to be able to live godly and peaceful lives.
Another reason we should pray for all people is because God desires all people to be saved. Jesus’ sacrifice was offered so that people could be forgiven of their sins and know God. Christ came as a mediator between man and God, choosing to die on the cross to make peace between them. We should pray that everyone comes to the knowledge of this truth.
Just as Paul was appointed to spread this good news, so are we. For this reason, we should pray for the salvation of others. Remembering that we should pray for all people is helpful for us when we are not sure what to pray. We can pray for the people we encounter each day whether we know them personally or not, keeping in mind God’s desire for them to be saved. Prayer is the start in our partnership with God in His mission.