I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men (1 Timothy 21).

PRAYING FOR ALL PEOPLE

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men (1 Timothy 2:1).

PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

There’s a profound difference between praying for a nation and praying for its citizens. When we pray for nations, it carries a distinct weight, but praying for the individuals of those nations adds depth and specificity to our intercession.

When I pray for all Ghanaians, for example, it’s different from praying for the nation of Ghana. Praying for the nation of Ghana implies focusing on the government, its structures and the people within its borders.

But when you say, “I’m praying for Ghanaians,” you’re extending your prayer to every Ghanaian, wherever they may be in this world. Your prayer touches each individual who identifies as Ghanaian, regardless of their location. This personalizes your prayer and enables you to connect with the people on a deeper level.

That’s what Paul meant when he emphasized that prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks should be made for “all men” everywhere; and by that, he meant every man, woman, boy and girl. There’s a profound significance when you pray this way; it helps cultivate love for them.

Praying for nations alone could feel distant and impersonal, but when you pray for the people of those nations, it becomes personal. Approaching prayer in this manner endears you to people in a way that makes your intercession for them more impactful.

PRAYER

Dear Father, thank you for the privilege of prayer and intercession. Even now, I pray for every citizen of my country who’s yet to receive salvation, irrespective of their geographical location, that their hearts be open to hear and understand the Gospel to receive salvation today. Thank you for the massive harvest of souls into the Kingdom around the world today, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 6:18 NIV; 1 Timothy 2:1-4 GNB

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

1 Corinthians 13; Proverbs 1-2

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Colossians 4:10-18; Jeremiah 15