Monday, May 6: 1 Timothy 2:1–6 (Rogation Day)
In today’s reading, Paul instructs young pastor Timothy in the discipline of prayer. The words he chooses are significant. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
“Supplications” is used to indicate our needs as we come before God. “Prayers” is a general term that encompasses all our communication to God. “Intercessions” is the encouragement to not only pray for others, but the privilege given to us to address our Father in heaven directly. “Thanksgiving” is self-explanatory. In balance with our asking, we must always remember to give thanks to God for all His blessings and to receive His answers to our prayers with thankful hearts.
Note also that our prayers be made for all people. Christians are to be outgoing, loving our enemies as well as our brothers and sisters. We’re to pray for everyone, for God desires all to be saved.
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who in our affliction put our trust in Thy mercy, may ever be defended by Thy protection against all adversity; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.