Pray AND Love

This  morning I am continuing my following of the theme of prayer, and am thinking on the following verses from Paul's letter to 1 Timothy 2:1-6, 8 NIV:

[1] "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--- [2] for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. [3] This is good, and pleases God our Savior, [4] who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. [5] For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, [6] who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time."

[8] "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing."

The list of actions that Paul urges us to seems to be a bit redundant in our translation - but each of those words was chosen specifically and have distinct meanings:

The NASB translates the list as follows -  "entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings"

The Greek words are Deesis, Proseuche, Enteuxis, and Eucharistia.

The definitions are as follows:

1.  Deesis - A) need, indigence, want, privation, penury B) seeking, asking, entreating, entreaty to God or to man  -  so understanding someone's needs and asking humbly for the need to be met.

2. Proseuche - A) prayer addressed to God - pretty self explanatory

3. Enteuxis - A) a falling in with, meeting with B) an interview C) a coming together D) a conference or conversation E) a petition, supplication - the sense here is that there is a deeper understanding and communication that occurs.  The falling in with, meeting with and coming together denotes not just prayer for someone, but being with them where they are, really understanding their situation and circumstances.  This is involves engagement at a personal level.

4. Eucharista - A) thankfulness  B) the giving of thanks - again, this is pretty self explanatory

I find it interesting that each of these can be directed to God, but only proseuche actually means prayer directly to God.  So if I understand this correctly, there is room in this verse for action beyond prayer to God, which is the most important, but also to include other sources (kings and others in authority).  So it would be right to pursue help for one another through the civil authorities, and Paul would encourage that apparently.  

I also think Paul would echo these words from 1 John 3:17-18 NIV: "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? [18] Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." It is so easy to tell someone that we will pray for them, it is a whole other thing to actually do something for that person, meeting their need out of our own resources, or helping them to get real help, even if you can't provide the help yourself.

We are encouraged to pray, petition, intercede and give thanks for the authorities, and rulers.  The whole idea of separation of Church and state does not exist in Paul's mind, in fact he calls us to active engagement on their behalf.  He understands that by engaging and interacting and bringing God's perspective and blessing to these people, all people will be blessed and able to pursue God in peace.  I am reminded of the story of Joseph, where God blesses the nation of Egypt through Joseph's wisdom, practical understanding and vision.  Egypt was anything but a Godly nation, yet God blessed His people through Egypt.

Finally, our call is to pray above all else.  This involves communication with God, conversation really, not a monologue of needs.  It is OK to have lists that we pray, but we want to be listening to what God has to say in response to our petitions.  In my experience God is very practical and very ready to provide direction and guidance, insight and perspective if I will only take time to actually listen to Him.

Let us pray for each other, for ourselves, for our communities and let us listen to what God has to say and be ready to take action.  "This is right and pleases God" (1Tim 2:3).  Our love is not meant to just be "words or speech but with action and truth."

Amen.