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Lessons in Prayer - 1 Timothy 2:1-8 - The Lost

I'm not sure who all else struggles at times in their prayer life.  Sometimes it feels like I'm just in a repetitive rut saying the same thing day in and day out with little thought about what's really coming out of my mouth.  Then there are times where the communication between God and me is so clear it feels like we're sitting face to face talking.  Those are times that praying just feels as though it strengthens me, and I can really feel the Holy Spirit during those times.  Those somewhat dry times of prayer have been a burden for me so I finally looked where I should have started looking for help in prayer, the Bible, and found 1 Timothy 2:1-8 which actually led me to seven distinct prayers that I felt were needed at this time.

V1:  "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people."

Prayers of supplication are prayers that arise out of a need.  Our basic needs as humans are food, water, and shelter.  Though at times many of us "need" a newer car, a pair of shoes, or a shopping trip.  While some of those things may be nice, they aren't truly needs.  As you are thinking about needs, consider this, what greater need is there than for a lost person to receive salvation?

Paul is urging the church here to have prayers of intercession for the lost.  That's a feeling of empathy that we all can have since at one point we were all lost and unknown to God.  And fortunately we have all taken different paths to come to receive salvation.  These different roads we've taken, and trials we've faced are what give us our testimony which is our best tool for reaching the lost.  It's the story you don't have to look up somewhere or try too hard to develop because it's your story.  So as we pray today, let's focus a portion of our prayer on the lost around us.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Lord I thank you today that people in my life cared enough about me to share your love, grace, and mercy with me.  I thank you that I learned who you were at a younger age, though I strayed in later years.  And today I pray Lord that those who are lost will be found.  That the church will get out of the pew and begin to be your hands and feet to reach those who do not know you yet.  I thank you for those who lead mission groups, outreach groups, and others to reach the lost.  And I pray for the lost individuals that I cross paths with every day.  I pray that I can say something, or that they will see something in my life, my office, my home, or my walk with you that will open the door to share your gift of salvation with them.  I pray that you push us to work, and soften the hearts of those who are willing to hear of your love.  In your precious son Jesus name I pray, amen.

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