The Urgency of Prayer

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Prayer is one of those mysterious things. Prayer is intangible and our prayers are offered up to a God who is invisible, but don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Even Jesus prayed. And Jesus prayed often. He prayed in the morning, he prayed at night and sometimes he prayed all through the night. He prayed earnestly and sincerely. He prayed at the tomb of his friend Lazarus who had passed away. He prayed before performing miracles. He prayed for Himself in the Garden. He prayed as he ministered to others. 

The disciples understood the power of prayer. As they observed firsthand the intense and devoted prayer life of Jesus, the Son of God, they knew prayer was important. This was something they wanted to get right. They asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” And Jesus gave them a powerful “how-to” in what we call the “Lord’s prayer.” (Perhaps it should be called the “Disciple’s Prayer.”)

Paul writes to Timothy of the urgency of prayer. “I urge you to pray,” he says. He tells us who to pray for — for kings and those who are in authority, for all people. He tell us how to pray for them — Give thanks for them. Ask God to help them. 

Prayer is important. It’s powerful. And it’s urgent. Prayer should not be a last resort, but rather a first response. I too, urge you to pray.