Several years ago, Christian author and pastor, Tim Keller, was asked on Twitter, “Why do you think young Christian adults struggle with God as a personal reality in their lives?” His reply, “Noise and distraction. It is easier to Tweet than pray!” For all the many benefits of digital technology, we are tempted to get distracted from prayer by tweets and our Facebook feeds and texts and emails on our phone." When asked what counsel he would give to a Christian who finds himself or herself lured to distractions when they are trying to pray, his response was this: “There is no way around just simply saying: This is something that I must spend time doing." Our study of 1 Timothy 2 has led us to explore the reasons why God has made prayer so important. Today we consider the third and final reason: Praying fulfills our duty to join our King in heaven as He advances His kingdom on earth.

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Because the subject of prayer is found in so many places in the Bible, one Christian has said, "The single most important activity in my life is the time I spend alone with God in prayer." Whether we all agree with that statement or not, all Christians tend to agree that prayer is absolutely critical to our spiritual health. But why? Why does the God of the Universe make personal communication with Him so important? Our study of prayer in 1 Timothy 2 has led us to several other passages about prayer including Luke 10. In today's message, we see how God uses prayer to foster devotion for Him.

                                 - First Timothy 2:1-2, Luke 10:38-42 -

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It's often been said that the Bible is like a river, shallow enough for a child to wade in yet deep enough for an elephant to swim in. No matter who we are or where we are in life, God's Word can speak to our specific circumstances. Penthouse or poorhouse, young or old, male or female, the Bible is able to inspire, equip and encourage us in our specific circumstances. As we work our way through 1 Timothy, we have come to a place in the “river” that is both shallow and deep; it is a place called prayer. Prayer is simply talking with God. But it is also profoundly important to all we do in life. Through the Bible, God has shown us three major reasons why talking with Him is vitally important to our Christian life. They are simple enough for a child to understand yet deep enough for a seasoned saint to appreciate.

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If 1 Timothy 1 was all about embracing correct doctrine, Chapter 2 is all about advancing the gospel. In Chapter 2, the Apostle Paul tells us how to overcome false doctrine in our church and culture and, surprisingly, he starts with prayer. How does one deal with satanic attacks against the truth of Christ's gospel? They pray! But in disclosing how to deal with false teachers, Paul also reveals how we can overcome any obstacle in life.  How do you deal with financial troubles-you pray! How do you deal with sickness and disease issues-you pray! How do you deal with marriage issues-you pray! How do you deal with work pressures-you pray! Prayer must come first in all we do.

                                           - First Timothy 2:1-2 -