First of All, PRAY!

9-18-22 Sermon Notes“First of all, PRAY!”

“When all else fails, read the instructions.” Sayings like that are for me. I admit it! I am pretty much an expert at putting the cart before the horse. That’s what I try to be intentional to STOP, take a breath, and ask something that my grandmother used to ask me whenever I was upset, or whenever I had a big decision to make. “Sam, did you pray about it?” “Of course I prayed about it!” (Afterwards)… That’s sort of what we are prone to do, isn’t it? We treat prayer like it is a spare tire…only pulling it out after something has gone wrong. And, like a spare tire, we say to ourselves, “Let me see if I can remember how this thing works!” Do we remember how prayer works? Let’s all be reminded by the Apostle Paul’s words to Timothy:

2 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is right and acceptable before God our Savior, 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, 6 who gave himself a ransom for all—this was attested at the right time. 7 For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), a teacher of the gentiles in faith and truth.
(1 Tim. 2: 1-7 NRSV)

Notice that prayer is “first of all.” Prayer is not the last “in-case-of-emergency” kind of thing. Second, notice that prayer has different facets. Paul uses four different words to describe prayer in v. 1 (supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings). Finally, notice who is being prayed for. (Everyone, especially kings and all who are in high positions) We are in a season of discernment right now and are faced with some big decisions. Let’s make prayer our “first of all!” Let’s explore all the beautiful facets of prayer. Let’s make sure that our leadership is “prayed for” and not “preyed upon!”

See you Sunday,
Pastor Sam