DAY 17 - PRAYER PRACTICE

Keaton Tucker, YA Groups Lead

“First of all then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Has there ever been a better time for prayer? Especially prayer for the leaders of this country and the world? Can you imagine the pressure they’re under right now with opinions coming from everywhere? They all are faced with big decisions that affect millions of people.

Prayer works, prayer changes things, prayer alters the course of the world. Prayer also reminds us that there is a power, his name is Jesus, who is in charge, who is upholding the world, who has dominion. Prayer reminds us that we cannot change people, only God can. We can help people, but not without the help of God.

In this scripture, Paul lists four specific types of prayers. He says “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings” should be made. All of these are forms of prayer (yes, even prayers). What are these different types of prayers?

Supplications - this is the action of asking or begging for something earnestly. This type of prayer is you asking God for yourself. Yes, pray for yourself! 

Intercession - this is prayer on behalf of another person. Intercession is the gift we give for each other.

Prayers - this can be understood as prayers of blessing. Think of how Paul finishes all of his letters: “May grace and peace be multiplied for you.” These are not requests but declarations over people.

Thanksgivings - These types of prayers are exactly as they sound. What are you thankful for in your life? What are you thankful for in your people’s lives? Thanksgiving keeps us in recognition that God is with us, providing for us, transforming us, and working in your lives and the lives of others. Paul says in Philippians 1, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy.” Thanksgiving leads to joy. 

Take time today to walk through these prayers, and then see what God does to you and through you.