The Word 6.14.09

I’ve been spending time in 1 Timothy with the desire to better understand what it means to be a leader in the church. Recently I found this passage to be convicting. Prayer is a spiritual discipline that I struggle to practice consistently. So when Paul tells Timothy that the first thing the church should do is pray, I realize that I have a lot of work to do as a believer. Our lives should be characterized by the posture and practice of prayer.

1 Timothy 2:1-7 (ESV)

2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.