Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to do the work of an evangelist. Several of his responsibilities are addressed in the two epistles that bear his name (First and Second Timothy). Part of his work was to give specific charges or orders to different individuals.
The men are given instructions regarding prayer. “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Tim. 2:8).
Paul’s desire was more than a preference or a wish. This was his way of relaying a divine command for the church to follow.
The men were to pray. “Men” is translated from the Greek word aner. This is not a generic word for mankind (anthropos), but the word that specifies males. The New Testament does not forbid women from praying, but it does not give them authority to take leadership roles in the assemblies of the church. Thus, we can understand this instruction to be regarding the men leading the church in prayer everywhere (in every church).
The New Testament does not prescribe a model prayer to be recited word for word in the assemblies of the church. Each prayer will be tailored to the needs of the local church. However, Paul did give general instructions regarding prayer earlier in the chapter. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1).
The four words used in this passage overlap, but there are differences that need to be noted. The differences in their meaning combine to give us a complete idea of the prayers that need to be offered by the men of the congregation.
Supplications: from the word deesis which refers to an urgent request to God that certain and specific needs be met. There is nothing wrong with making general requests in our public prayers, but it is also appropriate to make specific requests.
Prayers: from the word proseuche. This is the most used word for prayer in the New Testament. It is a more general word for addressing God, but it includes the idea of approaching Him with a sense of awe. Our prayers need to include praise and adoration to God. The Psalms give us numerous examples of such praise.
Intercessions: from the word enteuxis which is a pleading or a request on behalf of another out of concern for them. It was the technical term for approaching a king. With intercessions we are approaching God and appealing for His favorable response like one would come before and petition a king.
We often make intercessions for individuals in the prayers of our worship assemblies. We ask God’s blessing on those who are sick, grieving, or traveling. We pray for the elders and deacons, preachers, parents, new converts, and those who are struggling spiritually. All these needs have a place in the prayers of our assemblies.
Giving of Thanks: from the word eucharistia which is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to God for His blessings. Thanksgiving must always be in our heart (1 Thess. 5:18) and always expressed in our prayers. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4:6). We should never make urgent requests for God’s blessings without also expressing gratitude for His past blessings and answers to our prayers.
While prayer is an important part of the life and worship of a local church, the privilege of leading such prayers is not given to every man. Returning to 1 Timothy2:8, Paul specifies the character of the men who are to pray.
They are to be “lifting up holy hands.” It was the custom for Jews, Christians, and even pagans, to stand in prayer with their hands outstretched and uplifted, the palms turned upwards indicating dependence on God or symbolically awaiting a gift from above. Paul is not prescribing a physical posture in prayer. The emphasis is on the word “holy.” The church should select only those men who are pure in heart and pleasing to God in their lives. None of us are perfect. If that were a requirement, none of us could pray. However, the men leading the entire congregation in making supplications before the King of all Creation should be devout Christians.
Furthermore, the men must be “without wrath and doubting.” Those who have problems with their anger should not be leading the church in prayer. A wrathful person is one who causes problems with brethren. He will be a hindrance to their worship. Prayer is an exercise of faith. The man whose heart is filled with doubt will offer a powerless prayer (James 1:6-8).
It is a great privilege and responsibility to lead the local church in worship. We want the right men leading us in our singing. We would prefer the preacher have a knowledge of the Scriptures and some fire in his heart as he delivers the sermon. We appreciate the men preparing appropriate comments at the Lord’s Table. Isn’t it interesting that Paul gives attention to the men who will be leading the prayers of the church. This role shouldn’t be an afterthought or given to those who “can’t do anything else.” The Lord wants the right men leading us in good, scriptural prayers.