First Timothy 2:1 mentions four terms related to talking to our Heavenly
Father: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks.
Supplications carries the idea of “offering a request for a felt need.” Prayers
is the commonest term for this activity, and it emphasizes the sacredness of
prayer. We are praying to God; prayer is an act of worship, not just an
expression of our wants and needs. There should be reverence in our hearts
as we pray to God.
Intercessions is best translated petitions. This same word is translated
“prayer” in 1 Timothy 4:5, where it refers to blessing the food we eat. (It is
rather obvious that we do not intercede for our food in the usual sense of
that word.) The basic meaning of the word is “to draw near to a person and
converse confidently with him.” It suggests that we enjoy fellowship with God
so that we have confidence in Him as we pray.
Giving of thanks is definitely a part of worship and prayer. We not only give
thanks for answers to prayer, but for who God is and what He does for us in
His grace. We should not simply add our thanksgiving to the end of a selfish
prayer! Thanksgiving should be an important ingredient throughout all of our
prayers. In fact, sometimes we need to imitate David and present to God
only thanksgiving with no petitions at all! (See Psalm 103.)
Good advice: “I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Timothy 2:1).
Also: Psalm 103.
Action assignment: If you want peace in your heart, practice Philippians
4:6 today and every day!
Warren W. Wiersbe
www.backtothebible.in