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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