The Place of Prayer in Public Worship

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

Paul is speaking about the place of prayer in public worship. This is increasingly out of fashion. But God has given this ministry to the church. If Christians do not pray for the world, who will?

A gospel-centered church is not about us, it is about the gospel. God our Saviour wants “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2:4). Our worship must reflect God’s heart for the world.

Pray for all people (2:1)
When churches give up on intercessory prayer in public worship, it is usually for one of two reasons. One is that the pastors give up. The other is that the people don’t care. Effective public prayer involves your faith, your compassion, and your heart reflecting the heart of God for the world.

Pray for kings and all in high positions (2:2)
All the rulers in Paul’s time were pagans. Yet Paul says that Christians should pray for our rulers, and that we should do it with thanksgiving! Notice what we are to pray for those in government: “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (2:2). Our objective is not that politicians will change society. It is that we should live in peace so that the gospel will change society.

John Chrysostom said, “No one can feel hatred towards those for whom he prays.” If we pray for our leaders in the nation or in the church, it will affect the way we speak about them. You can disagree with them, but you will not be cynical or unkind about them. You will pray for God’s blessing on them. You will rejoice in any success that God gives them.

This kind of praying is good and pleases our God and Saviour.

How important has intercessory prayer been in your own life?