Praying by Precept & ExampleSample

The Purpose of Prayer

"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NIV)

Yesterday, we began studying the subject of prayer. We emphasized that much thought is given to what happens during prayer, but it is not enough to simply be seen as prayerful; it is vital to pray rightly. As we noted earlier, the ministry of prayer is not necessarily about receiving answers to prayers. Even unbelievers have their requests met. Instead, understanding the ministry of prayer begins with understanding God’s plans and purposes on the earth.

God’s Plans and Purposes

What are God’s plans and purposes on the earth? Paul outlines them clearly in 1 Timothy 2:3-4: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."

The word "will" here denotes God’s desires, plans, intents, and purposes. God’s will for humanity is twofold: that all men be saved and that they come to the knowledge of the truth. This is His ultimate desire, His overarching plan for the earth.

As believers in Christ, this purpose defines us. While we may have individual roles—as husbands, wives, students, employees, or employers—our collective purpose as believers is unified in His will. When we gather together in faith, our personal desires melt into a common desire: the fulfillment of God’s purpose on the earth.

Apostolic Instructions on Prayer

The apostolic writings provide valuable instructions on prayer, especially within the gathering of believers. Here are some key passages:

• "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel." (Ephesians 6:18-19)
• "For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:18-19)
• "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." (Colossians 4:2-4)
• "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2)
• "I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better." (Ephesians 1:15-17)
• "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." (Philippians 1:9-11)
• "For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." (Colossians 1:9-10)
• "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all His holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ." (Philemon 1:4-6)

These passages emphasize the collective nature of prayer among believers. The primary focus is on the salvation of men and the spiritual growth of the church, to come to the knowledge of the truth.