“I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1 NKJ).
In this verse Paul lists four kinds of prayer. Each word used is individually descriptive of one form of prayer:
Supplications: This word indicates petition for a specific object. It focuses on personal needs and freely acknowledges insufficiency to provide the solution. It is a good word to begin the list because its basis is humility in approaching God. An old song best captures the sense of this word: “It’s me! It’s me, oh Lord. Standing in the need of prayer.”
Prayers: In the New Testament, this word is restricted to requests made of God. Whereas supplications are specific requests, prayers are more general. This term includes wishing, desiring, asking, and petitioning. Its significance is indicated by the saying, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world ever dreamed of.”
Intercessions: This word describes the action of standing in the gap for another. Abraham interceded for Lot and Sodom. Jesus interceded for Jerusalem. At present He is interceding with the Father for all of us. The original Greek word means to have an audience with a dignitary – to meet with him, spend time in his presence, and then to make requests of him on behalf of another.
Thanksgiving: The giving of thanks should precede all our prayers. It should go on all during our prayer time. It should continue after our formal prayer has ended. True thanksgiving is a continuous expression of gratitude to God for His constant blessing on our lives!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.