Books such as first and second Timothy were written to give instructions to those following the apostles who themselves were passing away from the scene. Churches continually increased in number and locale. It was of great importance to protect the church’s identity in matters of order, soundness of faith, and discipline. The significance of the text found in 1 Timothy2:1,2 seems to have been lost with the passing of time.
Paul was very concerned about the situation. We could tell this by the phrase he used, “I exhort.” This raises the question of how do we have harmony, cooperation, and success within the church? Paul expects us as believers to make supplication, prayers, giving of thanks, and to make intercession for others.
God’s requirement for intercession did not come out of the blue for no reason. He was the first to make intercession. According to Isaiah 53, the intersection of Christ into human life was prophesied. We can see Christ interceding for those who came to him. When he was hanging on the cross, Jesus made intercession by asking for God to forgive for the knew not what they did. The work of Christ is the basis for our spiritual security. And after Jesus left, the Holy Spirit came to fill that void making intercession for us. Sometimes we do not know exactly how to pray with the right words to use in our prayers. However, the Bible says the Holy Spirit makes intercession on our behalf with the Heavenly Father.
Following God’s example, we are exhorted to make intercession for others. When we do so, it demonstrates our relationship with God. At that time, we recognize God as the supreme ruler over the world. When we make intercession for others, it releases the authority of God over their problems, over their needs. When stepping in with empathy in behalf of someone else you are taking action for that person. You are seeking for him even if that person is unconscious in the hospital or may not want to change. Taking responsibility by interceding for others shows significant findings, solutions over human behavior for what is good, for what is the best result. Interceding for another person calls out for salvation, forgiveness or simply a quiet peaceful life. When you look at a person, ask yourself if God is laying on your heart the need for interceding in behalf him or her. Would you not want someone else to do that for you?
You may be wrapped up in your own misery, strictly focusing on your own needs. That may be the best time to pray for others. You’re being compliant with God’s expectation to pray in behalf of others. Here you are also focusing away from yourself unto God’s children. You’re recognizing the greatness of God which in turn will come back to bless you. You are declaring the truth that God is bigger than needs. That also reflects back to God instead of your need. Focus on God’s potential in behalf of another person. This will encourage you to focus away from your world on to God’s blessings.
Christian Writer 