I Timothy 2:1a

"I exhort therefore,..." And whenever Paul uses the word therefore, what do you do? Well, you go back and remember what he'd been talking about. I think the main thing that he has in this therefore is the faith that we've been talking about in the last two verses of chapter 1. So because of our faith, because we are people who believe what God says, we are now in a position to make:

I Timothy 2:1b

"...supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, (Not just for ourselves, but for whom?) be made for all men;" In other words, we have a prayer responsibility way beyond our immediate circle of friends and family and so forth.

Now whenever I speak on prayer, I always like to remind people and we do. Whenever someone says, "Well, I just don't know how to pray." I want to bring you back a moment to Philippians chapter 4 verses 6 and 7, which are my two favorite verses when it comes to prayer. Whether it's for all men as he says here in verse 1, or whether it's for the kings and our men in high places, or our friends and loved ones, that is beside the point. When we pray, this should be our approach to the Almighty.

Philippians 4:6a

"Be careful (or concerned, or you might even say worry) for nothing; but in every thing (See, now that's not qualifying. That means what it says. Everything -- whether it's physical, material, or spiritual.) by prayer and supplication (But here's the secret.) with (What?) thanksgiving..." I still think that that is the secret to a successful Christian life. It is to be a man or woman or a boy or a girl that's full of praise and thanksgiving to God. I think God revels in our response in thanksgiving.

Philippians 4:6b

"...in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Now I imagine that if there's anything that throws a curve at a lot of us, and I'll include myself as well—if God is Sovereign and He's all knowing, and He knows the end from the beginning, why should we pray?