The ‘Alls’ of Prayer

“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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 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. I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.” 1 Timothy 2:1-8

“May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!.. O Lord, save the king! May he answer us when we call.” Psalm 20:5,9

First of all. Above and before making plans, getting going, and other efforts, prayer must be our priority. And it is all- encompassing, including both requests and thanksgiving. It is not a one-way list of wants or begs, but spans from gratitude to groaning.

Pray for all. All people, all leaders. Not just loved ones or liked ones or voted-for ones, but all whom the Lord has placed for His purposes, in order that they be touched by the divine hand of prayer. Pray that God will use them to benefit society, and realize this may come about in ways we would not expect or even desire. Praying for this and trusting the Lord to answer His way increases our dependence on Him and our faith in Him as ultimate King. (Matthew 5:44-45; Romans 13:1-7)

Pray for all people to be saved, even those we deem beyond redemption and not deserving. Are we? Jesus came to seek and save the lost, to heal the sick sinner, and His grace is wide-reaching. If we have a superior attitude, pray for Him to convict us of that pride and save us from that snobbery. He died for it too. (Mark 2:17; Luke 19:10; Romans 5:8)

Pray His ransom for all is taught clearly and powerfully, and is understood and received as life-changing truth. Pray that the message of Jesus as sole mediator between God and man, that His perfect life served to pay our deserved penalty, go out and penetrate our families, communities, cities, and nations.

And pray in all places. Wherever we live, work, serve, and recreate. Where we travel in body, and in our minds. Pray for imaginations, dreams, conundrums, the present and future. There is no limit to what or where we are to call out to the Lord and seek His work and trust Him to perform it. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Lord, the proper time is now. Keep my hands lifted high, and my heart and mind set on Thee, focused in prayer that spans people and places and every concern. May all of me trust all of Thee, to the end that You are known and praised.