"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men... " (1Timothy 2:1, KJV).
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(A) CONTEXT
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After a lengthy introduction in chapter 1, Paul begins to instruct Timothy regarding his role in the church with an exhortation.
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Paul begins his exhortation with, "first of all," indicating a the priority is... PRAYER.
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Paul uses four words relative to prayer:
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1. Supplications [deesis], or urgent pleading; petitioning
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2. Prayers [proseuche], or sharing with God
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3. Intercessions [enteuxis], or urgent pleading on behalf of, for someone, and
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4. Giving of thanks, thankfulness for [eucharistia].
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(B) FAITH LESSON
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(i) Paul instructs Timothy to FIRST, pray.
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If you are going to minister to the saints . . . first, pray (1 Timothy 4:6).
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If you are going to witness to the lost . . . first, pray (2 Timothy 4:5).
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If you are going to teach people . . . first, pray (2 Timothy 2:25).
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(ii) If we would follow Paul's instruction to Timothy, we would:
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'Petition' God for people around us.
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'Share' with God about the situations of others around us.
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'Intercede' for others who do not know enough to pray.
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'Give thanks' to God for the people around us.
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(C) LIFE APPLICATION
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How often do I truly do this?
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How often is my prayer time spent on me and mine?
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How often do I spend time praying for people beyond my little world?
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How often do I intercede in prayer for those around me?

Jerry is a bi-vocational, helping pastor-teacher, Christian life coach, TESOL trainer & manager, author, and freelance writer, with degrees in Christian education, teaching-English, business, theology, and divinity, currently residing in the Philippines. His interests include practical theology.