“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1).
“First of all” could mean first in time, in order, in place, or in importance. Here it evidently means “first of all” in importance. Our Lord Jesus Christ said “that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” He also said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” “Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord.” “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” In the Christian’s life, if there is little prayer, there is little blessing. It is “first of all” in importance that we “watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” So “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” “Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.” Let us then be “praying in the Holy Ghost.”
Much blessing we miss in our lives,
Just because we fail to pray,
Blessings we could bring to others,
Helping to lighten their way.
Luke 18:1; Matt. 7:7-8; Lam. 2:19; Psa. 55:17; Matt. 26:41; Col. 4:2; Psa. 62:8; Jude 20.