5 Acts of Christian Worship: Prayer

I will therefore that men pray every where,

lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 1 Timothy 2:8

From the very beginning of the church, prayer is something that was ever present (Acts 1:23-26; 2:42; 4:23-32). This is one of the five elements of worship in which we participate every first day of the week.

Paul wrote to Timothy on how to conduct himself in the church (cf. 1 Tim 3:15). This included instruction on prayer within the assembly. From the Word, we find that men are to lead in prayer within our assemblies. This is not to devalue women but simply that God has given us the pattern that men preside over the assembly (cf. 2 Tim 2:9-15). The required men are those who can lift up holy hands without wrath and dissension. This is not a posture. The type of man God desires to lead the congregation in prayer is one living a holy and righteous life. A man whose attendance, habits, divisiveness, and wrath are questionable should not be one who is in this position. Prayer is a truly important part of our worship on the first day of the week. We all join in prayer when we clear our minds, focus our attention on the prayer, and, in agreement, confidently say amen (so be it).

Prayer is not isolated to the first day of the week. Take the time today to contemplate the following questions. How important is prayer in my daily walk? Am I praying without ceasing? (cf. 1 Thess. 5:17) Am I devoted to prayer? (cf. Col 4:2) Do I mean what I pray and do I pray what I mean? If the answer is no to any of these, I urge you to correct that now. God desires this relationship with you; go ahead and talk to Him.

Grace and Peace,

Ryan

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