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Charles Spurgeon said that "True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance.  It is far deeper than that - it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth.”  In 1 Timothy 2:1-7, the apostle Paul wrote the following request of Christians: “First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 

 

What Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:18-20 is the reason why he wrote 2:1-7.  This is what the Apostle wrote: “This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.”  In other words, what Paul was urging his young protégé to do was to make prayer a priority.  Why?  Because there are dangers all around and there are dangers within; what Paul essentially communicated in his letter was this: “Timothy, if you want to guard your heart from shipwrecking your faith like Hymenaeus and Alexander did and hold onto your faith and a good conscience, then you must pray.”  This is not a recommendation of Paul, but an urgent request.  Here is another way you can translate this verse from the original language: “Of utmost importance, I implore you… to pray.” 

 

If you are wondering how you can experience the same spiritual vibrancy of the disciples and the first century church, it has always begun and always will begin with prayer.  It is also the activity that binds each of the pieces of the armor of God together (see Ephesians 6:10-18).  

 

Paul Miller’s book, A Praying Life has had a profound impact upon my life.  In a few weeks, we will be offering you the opportunity to attend A Praying Life course during the first service so that you will not miss our time of worship together by joining us for worship during the second service.  If you have the time and flexibility, I do not think you will be disappointed by the ways God will use the A Praying Life study course and our time in James (the upcoming new sermon series).  In fact, believe you will even find your time used in the above way on Sunday through the summer to be powerfully transformative.   

 

So, this Sunday during our 9AM and 11AM worship services, be sure to sign up for the A Praying Life study course!  

 

 

Grace,

Pastor Keith