(1 Tim 2:1-8) Characteristics of Praying Churches

Characteristics of Praying Churches

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles. Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

1 Timothy 2:1-8

What are characteristics of praying churches? How can churches and church members please God with their cooperate and private prayer life?

In 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Paul transitions from his challenge to Timothy to correct the false teachers in Ephesus to focus on the church’s prayer life. One of God’s great plans for the church is to be a place of prayer. In Mark 11:17, Christ described the temple as a house of prayer for all nations. In the same way, believers are the temple of God both individually and corporately (cf. 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19). Therefore, we should be characterized by prayer.

However, if we are honest, most of us struggle with prayer. We struggle with both how to pray and taking time to pray. In 1 Timothy 2:1-8, we learn characteristics of praying churches. Though the context is public worship (cf. 1 Tim 3:15), the majority of these truths apply to our private prayer lives as well.

Big Question: What characteristics of praying churches can be discerned from 1 Timothy 2:1-8?

Praying Churches Prioritize Prayer

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

1 Timothy 2:1

Interpretation Question: What does Paul mean by adding “first of all” to his instructions on prayer?

Why does Paul say “first of all” when beginning his instructions on prayer? He seems to be demonstrating the priority of prayer in corporate church life. The church should prioritize prayer and individual Christians should prioritize it as well.

We see the early church’s priority of prayer in the book of Acts. Consider the following verses:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:42

Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

Acts 6:3-4

The early church devoted themselves to prayer, and the apostles prioritized it even over serving needy widows. They needed to give attention to prayer and the ministry of the Word. This must be our priority as a church and individually.

Interpretation Question: Why must prayer be a priority in the church and in our private lives?

It has been said, “Prayer is not preparation for the great work. It is the great work!” For this reason, prayer must be our priority. It is the way that God has chosen to build his kingdom.

Why does God require us to pray, especially since he is sovereign? We don’t know exactly. Possibly, because God originally made man to have dominion over the earth. Man was meant to be God’s vice regent. It was through man that he would rule and build his kingdom. Even though man fell, that is still God’s method on the earth. He works both through man’s prayer and man’s hands.

Moreover, God will not complete his works apart from man’s prayers. Consider Ezekiel 22:30-31,

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger, bringing down on their own heads all they have done, declares the Sovereign LORD.”

For lack of prayer, God destroys nations, governments, and individuals. God is always looking for people to pray within his church. But like Israel before us, we often fail to pray. Instead of prioritizing prayer, we prioritize family, money, education, entertainment, and even other ministries to the dismay of those around us.

In worship, prayer must be the church’s priority, and it also must be a priority in our individual lives. Sadly, prayer is not a priority in most churches. In many churches the announcements take up more time than the public prayer. And, our individual prayer often doesn’t fare much better.

Application Question: How can we prioritize both corporate and individual prayer?

1. We prioritize prayer by praying about everything, at all times.

First Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray continually” or it can be translated “pray without ceasing.” We must learn to pray when we’re worried, angry, hungry, sleepy, relaxing, and when busy. We must pray at all times. This is a discipline we must develop by learning to bring every thought and activity before God. Prayer is not only important for God’s kingdom but also for us. Therefore, we must learn to do it at all times.

2. We prioritize prayer by setting aside specific times to pray.

This goes along with the last point. One might ask, “If we are to pray at all times, why do we need specific times devoted to prayer?” We need specific times devoted to prayer so we can learn how to pray without ceasing. My wife and I have a date night every week, and during our date, we give special attention to talking and sharing. However, the fact that we have a date night doesn’t mean we don’t talk every day. We do, but the date night is meant to enhance our daily communication. And it’s the same with setting aside specific times of prayer.

Here are some tips that might help with setting aside times of prayer: Choose days, a day, or part of a day during the week to really focus on prayer. Use a prayer journal, write out prayer requests, and work through those prayer requests during those set times. Having special times for prayer will help you pray without ceasing.

3. We prioritize prayer by setting aside time for corporate prayer.

Believers should make time for corporate prayer, especially when the church gathers. Even the Lord’s Prayer implies our need to pray corporately: It says, “Give ‘us’ our daily bread. Forgive ‘us’ our trespasses.” Jesus said this about corporate prayer in Matthew 18:19-20, “‘Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’”

There is a tremendous power in corporate prayer, as there is a special way in which God meets with us when we participate in it. This reality should provoke spiritual leaders to add more corporate prayer into church services and gatherings. Leaders should carve time for prayer into the praise, the giving, before, during, and in response to the preaching of the Word—in the midst of Paul’s doctrinal letters he at times bursts into prayer and praise (cf. Rom 11:33-36). We should also set aside time for prayer in our casual meetings with believers. When meeting with fellow brothers and sisters for coffee, lunch, or dinner, we should take time to share prayer requests and lift one anther up.

Prayer should be the priority in worship services and our individual lives. When it is not, God’s will does not get done (cf. Ez 22:30-31).

Application Question: What tips help you with prioritizing prayer in your daily life? How is God calling you to make it more of a priority?

Praying Churches Pray for Everyone

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people

1 Timothy 2:1

Another principle, we can learn about prayer is that it should be offered on behalf of everyone. Paul says that “petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” One of the things we can discern about prayer from this verse is that all people need prayer. There is not one person we know that doesn’t need constant grace from God and, therefore, our prayers.

Interpretation Question: What do the various types of prayer that Paul mentions mean?

1. Supplication is from a root word meaning “‘to lack,’ ‘to be deprived,’ or ‘to be without something.’ This kind of prayer arises from the sense of need.”[1] It essentially refers to asking God for something. Now certainly, our prayers should not only include supplications, but when we do offer them, we should have confidence that God cares for us and wants to give us his best.

2. Prayers is a general word for all communication with God. Unlike supplications, it is only used of God in the Bible. Therefore, it probably includes a “unique element of worship and reverence.”[2] In our worship, we must constantly take time to praise God for who he is and honor his characteristics. The Lord’s Prayer begins with “Hallowed be thy name.”

3. Intercessions “comes from a root word meaning ‘to fall in with someone,’ or get involved with them.”[3] It refers to requests made on behalf of others. Therefore, it is not only a word of advocacy, “but also of empathy, sympathy, compassion, and involvement.”[4] We should constantly engage in others’ problems and lift them up.

4. Thanksgiving refers to a basic sense of gratitude for God’s grace. First Thessalonians 5:18 calls for us to give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for our lives.

And each of these types of prayers must be offered for all people. Sadly, our prayers tend to only focus on our friends, family, and maybe our church. John Stott said this about the public prayer offered in a church he once visited:

Some years ago I attended public worship in a certain church. The pastor was absent on holiday, and a lay elder led the pastoral prayer. He prayed that the pastor might enjoy a good vacation (which was fine), and that two lady members of the congregation might be healed (which was also fine; we should pray for the sick). But that was all. The intercession can hardly have lasted thirty seconds. I came away saddened, sensing that this church worshipped a little village god of their own devising. There was no recognition of the needs of the world, and no attempt to embrace the world in prayer.[5]

This is a picture of not only what’s common in public prayer but also our individual prayer. We commonly forget that we are part of a larger body of Christ and ultimately part of an entire world of people.

In Ephesians 6:18, Paul said this about prayer, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people.”

Because the church is constantly under attack from the evil one (cf. Eph 6:10-17), we, as believers, should constantly lift up local churches, the church in nations, and the church globally. They need our prayers, and the reality is because we are all part of Christ’s body, they always affect us, as we affect them. The parts of the body are attached, and therefore dependent upon one another; this should encourage us to continually pray for other churches to prosper.

Application Question: How can we practice prayer for all people?

1. We can pray for all people generally.

Obviously, we don’t know all people; however, we can pray generally for the salvation of the lost. Paul later says how God desires for all to be saved (v. 4) and how prayer for the lost pleases him (v. 3). We can pray for the church to be strengthened, encouraged, and protected and for it to influence nations as it walks in holiness and preaches the gospel. To pray for all people, we can simply pray generally.

2. We can pray for all people specifically.

As we learn about the needs of individuals, groups of people, and churches, we then can pray specifically.

Application Question: How can we learn more about people’s needs?

We can begin by asking for their prayer requests so our prayers can be more informed. In addition, the news is a tremendous source of information about the world. We can be sure that God cares about every issue on our local news station. Also, there are many prayer ministries that provide information about unreached people groups who need prayer. One such ministry is called Global Prayer Digest. You can subscribe and receive daily emails about these groups and how to pray for them.

Application Question: Why is it important to develop a global prayer life? How do you plan to incorporate more prayer for “all people” in your spiritual life?

Praying Churches Pray Specifically for Authorities

for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior,

1 Timothy 2:2-3

Paul goes from prayer generally for all people to specific prayers for those in leadership. He says, “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

This would have been a tremendous challenge to the Christians living in Ephesus. At this time, Nero was ruling in Rome. He spear-headed a wave of persecution against Christians. He would light Christians on fire in order to brighten his garden. He would put slabs of meat on Christians in the amphitheater and send the lions after them for sport.

However, Paul does not tell these Christians to rebel, protest, or fight for their rights. He calls them to pray for their authorities. Romans 13:1 says this about our authorities: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” All authorities, even ungodly ones, are established by God. They are God’s servants to reward the good and punish the bad (Rom 13:3-4). And because of this, Christians must constantly intercede for them, especially those who are evil. We must remember: “The king’s heart is like a river in the hand of the Lord, he turns it into whatever direction he pleases” (Prov 21:1, paraphrase). Our God is sovereign: he can change the hearts of even the most ruthless rulers.

Interpretation Question: Why should we pray for all authorities including government leaders?

Paul says we should pray for everyone and specifically authorities so “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior” (3-4). “‘Quiet’ refers to circumstances around us, while ‘peaceful’ refers to a calm attitude within us.”[6] By praying for our leaders, it provides protection for Christians—allowing them to live holy and godly lives in society.

Therefore, when the church is not praying for its leaders, it opens the door for difficult circumstances in society and unrest in the hearts and minds of believers. These difficult circumstances, at times, lead to Christians being persecuted. There is a sense in which believers are praying to be left alone to quietly practice their faith.

In addition, we should pray because it is morally good and pleasing to God (v. 4). When believers lift up their leaders, God looks down upon them with pleasure. This should motivate believers to pray often for their leaders.

Prayer for Spiritual Leaders

As we consider Paul’s call to pray for all authorities, we must remember to pray specifically for our pastors and other spiritual leaders. They need our prayers as they are the target of many assaults of the enemy. When we neglect praying for them, it affects not only them but our church community negatively. Furthermore, praying for our leaders delivers us from a critical spirit. We are less likely to throw stones at somebody we constantly pray for. Our leaders need this type of support.

Are you willing to pray for your leaders? It leads to both individual and corporate blessing.

Application Question: Why is it so important to pray for our leaders, especially our spiritual leaders (cf. Gal 6:6)? How is God calling you to grow in practicing this discipline?

Praying Churches Pray Evangelistically

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

1 Timothy 2:3-7

As Paul moves from general prayer for everybody to specific prayer for leaders, he focuses on prayer for the salvation of their souls. Paul says that God “wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (v. 4).

The fact that Paul challenges them to pray for all peoples’ salvation implies that they were not or that they struggled in that area. There were two strands of false teaching possibly hindering evangelistic efforts at Ephesus. One strand was the Judaizers. They focused on God’s saving purpose for the Jews and those who followed the law (cf. 1:7). There were also implications of Gnostic doctrine, which taught one’s needed for special revelation to be saved. We can discern this from Paul’s declaration that Christ is the only mediator between God and mankind (2:5). For Gnostics there were many mediators, and people needed this special knowledge to inherit salvation. Therefore, for the Judaizer and the Gnostic, salvation was not necessarily for everyone. It was for the ethnically or spiritually elite. There might have been a form of Christian snobbery in Ephesus hindering evangelistic efforts. Therefore, Paul reminds them that God desires all to be saved—not some (v. 4).

Sadly, this manifests in various ways in contemporary churches. They become Christian clubs concerned only with themselves and therefore stop evangelizing and praying evangelistically. We should avoid this ingrown focus at all cost. God desires all to be saved.

Controversy in 1 Timothy 2:4

Paul’s declaration in 1 Timothy 2:4 that God “wants [or desires] all people to be saved” is actually a hotbed for controversy. Some teach universal salvation through this verse. Others see conflict with the doctrine of election. We will briefly consider both topics.

Again, some teach universal salvation through 1 Timothy 2:4 and verse 6. The thought is that God wants all to be saved and therefore he ransomed them all through Christ’s death; therefore, none shall ultimately perish. However, “saved” is actually passive in the original language, meaning that only God can save man. This pictures the divine side of salvation. And yet, “come to the knowledge of the truth” represents the human side. God doesn’t save apart from the will of man. He works through man’s will by providing faith to respond to the gospel (cf. Eph 2:8-9, Phil 3:12-13). Only those who come to the “knowledge of the truth” will be saved—not everyone. In addition, though Christ’s ransom was sufficient for the salvation of all, it is only applied to those who in repentance accept Christ (cf. Rom 10:13). Therefore, this verse does not teach universal salvation, and neither does the rest of Scripture (cf. Matt 25:41-46).

Interpretation Question: Is there a contradiction between God’s desire for all to be saved and the doctrine of election?

As mentioned, others see a theological conflict with this verse when considering the doctrine of election—that God chose some for salvation before the creation of the earth (cf. Eph 1:4-6, Rom 8:29-30). If God “desires” everybody to be saved, then why didn’t he elect everybody for salvation?

This in part can be answered by considering the difference between God’s desire and his sovereign will. His sovereign will always happens, as God works all things for the purpose of his will (Eph 1:11). However, his desire does not always happen. God desires that all will be saved, but Scripture clearly teaches that many will be judged (Matt 25:41-46). In addition, we see this even as we consider our own desires and choices. We often have desires like recreation or rest that at times we forgo for greater reasons. There is no contradiction between God’s desire and his sovereign purposes in election (cf. Rom 9:6-24).

As we pray for all people and for those in authority, one of the things we must constantly pray for is their salvation. Again, God has chosen to build his kingdom through his people and that includes their prayers.

Theology of Evangelistic Prayer

Next, in verses 5-7, Paul builds a theology of evangelistic prayer in order to correct the Christian snobbery in Ephesus. All prayer is ultimately based on one’s theology. Bad theology leads to bad prayers or no prayers at all. He says,

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

1 Timothy 2:5-7

Observation Question: What theological truths should evangelistic prayer be based on according to 1 Timothy 2:5-7?

1. We should pray evangelistically because there is only one God.

What does Paul mean by this? He probably says this because if there were many gods, there would be many ways to salvation. This is the pluralistic view common in the ancient world and today. There are many pathways to God, and therefore, evangelism is condemned. Evangelism says that there is only one right way. And that’s exactly the argument Paul makes: There aren’t many gods. There is only one and, therefore, only one way for salvation. We should pray evangelistically because there is only one God.

2. We should pray evangelistically because Christ is the only mediator between God and man.

As mentioned, the Gnostics believed that there were many mediators between God and man, and Christ was only one of them. Therefore, Paul affirms the fully deity and humanity of Christ. As God, he can relate to the Father, and as man, he can relate to us. He is our mediator—our go between. Christ was our ransom, as he paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross (v. 6). His death for our sins—allows us to be accepted by a holy God. God now sees us through the blood and perfect righteousness of the Lamb. For that reason, only Christ can be our go between—he is the only God-man.

Gnostic doctrine has been seen in various forms throughout church history. In Catholic doctrine, saints can be our mediators with God. Paul, Mary, and other saints can intercede for us. However, Christ said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the father but through me” (John 14:6). He is our only intermediary. Therefore, if man is going to be saved, it must be through Christ alone.

We pray for the lost because Christ is the only way for their salvation.

3. We should pray evangelistically because sinners are saved through preaching.

Paul said, “And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles” (v.7). The God who chose the means of salvation also chose the method. People are saved by others faithfully preaching the gospel. Paul was a preacher, as he heralded the gospel. He was an apostle, as he was sent with authority from Christ to found churches. He was a teacher, as he explained the whole counsel of God to others. The fact that he mentions his ministry to the Gentiles supports the fact that the gospel was not just for the Jews or the spiritually elite but for all people. God desires all people to be saved.

John Stott said,

It is because there is one God and one mediator that all people must be included in the church’s prayers and proclamation. It is the unity of God and the uniqueness of Christ which demand the universality of the gospel. God’s desire and Christ’s death concern all people; therefore the church’s duty concerns all people too, reaching out to them both in earnest prayer and in urgent witness.[7]

Understanding that there is only one God, one Mediator, and one method for salvation should provoke us to constantly intercede for the lost. We should intercede for them while at the supermarket, while on the bus, while at the restaurant. We should also intercede for God to send laborers into harvest to preach the gospel (Matt 9:38). God desires that none should perish, but that all would come to salvation.

Application Question: How is God calling you to implement more evangelistic prayer in your life or community?

Praying Churches Have Male Spiritual Leadership

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

1 Timothy 2:8

Interpretation Question: Why does Paul single out males for public prayer?

When Paul says, “I want the men everywhere to pray,” the word “men” is not a general word for people. It actually refers to men instead of women. He addresses the women later in verses 11-15. Why does Paul call for the men specifically to lead in prayer?

In Paul’s writing, he commonly singles out males as the spiritual leaders both of the home and the church. In Ephesians 5:22-23, he calls for wives to submit to their husbands as unto the Lord, and for the husbands to wash their wives with the Word of God, like Christ does the church. Similarly, in 1 Timothy 2:11-15, Paul commands for ladies to not teach or have authority over males in the church. In addition, in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9, he teaches that the overseers of the church should be males.

This doctrine is not only taught in the New Testament by Paul; it is also taught in the Old (cf. 1 Cor 14:34). When God established the priesthood, they had to be all males who came from Aaron. When he established the Levites, they had to be all males as well. In the temple, the males were called to lead in worship, and this is true in the New Covenant as well.

However, it must be realized that males are not more special than ladies. They are co-equal and heirs of God’s grace together (cf. Gal 3:28, 1 Peter 3:7). However, God created different roles for the sexes, especially in marriage and the church. This reflects the image of God on humanity (Gen 1:27). In the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, the Son, and God the Father are one and co-equal, but there are authority and roles in the relationship. The Holy Spirit and the Son submit to God the Father. And when God made man in his image, he made Adam and Eve one flesh, co-equal, and yet with authority and various roles in the relationship (cf. 1 Cor 11:3).

Interpretation Question: Does Paul mean that women cannot lead public prayer?

Some take this stance based on 1 Timothy 2:8. However, it seems clear from 1 Corinthians 11:5 that women both prayed and prophesied in churches. It says, “But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head—it is the same as having her head shaved.”

In that scenario, Paul challenges the women to have a covering when they prayed and prophesied (1 Cor 11:2-16). The head covering represented submission to their husbands or the male leadership in the church. Therefore, it would seem that public prayer offered in the church by women should always be done in submission and not conflict with the established male leadership of church.

Sadly, many churches and homes are stagnant in prayer, in part, because of the absence of male spiritual leadership. Maybe, that is implied in Paul’s exhortation to the males at Ephesus. They needed to step up, and this is true in our day. Most prayer meetings are nearly void of men. Godly men need to lead so the church and the home can become the houses of prayer God meant them to be.

Application Question: Male and female roles are very controversial in the church. What are your beliefs on the topic? Why is it important for males to lead in prayer and worship? How can the church properly cultivate women’s gifts?

Praying Churches Pray with the Right Attitude

Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.

1 Timothy 1:8

Finally, Paul talks about having the right attitude in prayer. He says, “I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”

When Paul says “everywhere,” it seems to refer to church gatherings, as is the context of the letter (cf. 1 Tim 3:15). In addition, Paul uses this phrase four other times in his epistles (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 2:14; 1 Thess. 1:8)—all referring to an official assembly of the church.[8] In the founding stage of the church, congregations met in the temple courtyard, in homes, or other large places for worship. Church buildings, as we know them today, were not yet established.

Observation Question: What descriptors does Paul use to describe how believers should offer public prayer in church?

1. Believers should pray with holy hands.

Holy or clean hands is symbolic of a blameless life (cf. 2 Sam 22:21; Ps 24:4). When we are walking in sin, it hinders the effectiveness of our prayers. David said, “If I cherish iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18). Holding on to unconfessed sin will hinder our prayers. Therefore, we must faithfully confess and repent of our sins. James 5:16 says that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. There is power in a holy life.

2. Believers should pray without anger.

When Paul says without anger, he means without any discord in our relationships. Another hindrance to our prayer life is discord in our relationships. In 1 Peter 3:7, Peter encourages husbands to be considerate of their wives as the weaker vessels so that their prayers will not be hindered. Discord hinders our prayer life. Therefore, if we are in discord with anybody, we must do as much as depends on us to live at peace with them (Rom 12:18).

3. Believers should pray with faith.

When Paul says without “disputing,” it can be translated without “doubting.” Prayer must always be offered in faith towards God. We must trust God’s character and the promises in his Word. If we pray without faith, James 1:6-8 says we are doubleminded and unstable in all our ways—we will receive nothing from God. We must come to God trusting his character and his promises.

Application Question: Which one of these attitudes do you struggle with most and why? How is God calling you to cultivate the right attitude of prayer?