In prayer: First of all, pray

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people. … This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, Who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the Truth. For there is one God, and there is one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus… 1 Timothy 2:1, 3-5

As Paul calls Timothy to faithfulness in ministry, he instructs him to, first of all, pray. Paul was an apostle by the command of God our Savior (1 Timothy 1:1) and Christ Jesus. He was strengthened by Christ to serve faithfully in the preaching of the Gospel (1 Timothy 1:11-12), and now he is encouraging Timothy to remain faithful to his calling as well.

Paul knows Timothy must be connected to God our Savior through the one Mediator, Christ Jesus, for his ministry to be effective. The time we spend in communion with God through His Word and prayer transforms us. This is the path to being strengthened by Christ for ministry. Through this relationship we are changed. We become more like Christ as we abide in Him (John 15:1-11). With renewed minds we become vessels that can be used by God to preach the Gospel in a fruitful manner so that people can be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. This is why, first of all, we pray.

In prayer is taken from past Samaritan Ministries monthly prayer guides.