“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” 1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV
In the Nelson Study Bible, Earl Radmacher comments: “In these verses, Paul uses four of the seven New Testament terms for prayer. Supplications: personal need. Prayers: always directed toward God with reverence or worship. Intercessions: approaching with confidence. Giving of thanks: an attitude of gratitude, praising God for what He has done for us.
Radmacher explains that the phrase “for all men” is a generic expression that includes both male and female, believers and nonbelievers, and all who are in authority, “because the actions of kings (and other high-level leaders) affect society as a whole. It reminds believers that God is the ultimate Sovereign, He is in control, and our prayers affect decisions at the highest level.
Prayer changes things and people.
My parents had always prayed with me at bedtime, but the night I was “born again,” becoming a member of God’s forever family because I personally decided to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” my parents said, “As a believer you can now talk to God about anything, anytime, asking in Jesus’ name.” That parental Christian counsel that began that night has continued all of my life.
Jesus spoke a parable, “that men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” Luke 18:1 NKJV
TTT Christian Youth Ministries follows ten faith factors. Number one is “Pray without Ceasing.”
“See You at the Pole” student-led prayer gathering at campus flag poles is to happen again across America and around the world September 25, 2024. It began in the small town of Burleson, Texas in 1990. It has been our privilege to host report rallies several times, with students gathering to share what happened at their school. It is always amazing to listen to direct answers to prayer by praying students.
It has been my privilege to attend the National Day of Prayer in Washington DC several times, and it has been an honor to pray with some very significant Christian leaders. As we were on our knees together taking specific requests to God, we thanked Him in advance in Jesus’ name for what He would do.
When Jesus’ disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray,” the model prayer that He shared with them has been mis-named “The Lord’s Prayer,” but it is to be prayed by us.
Jesus said, “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:8-13 NKJV
TTT Christian Youth Ministries was born in prayer. The Bible says: “before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24 NKJV
When Mary Greer and I became very serious about each other as high school students, we chose as our life verse together: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 NKJV
Amazingly, nearly 200 years before we even inquired about the location at the intersection of US Highway 41 and Boonville New Harmony Road, God set in motion what can only be described as Christian destiny. We are endeavoring to continue to prayerfully follow God’s guidance “Together Toward Tomorrow.”
Our friend Jerry Falwell, Sr. was noted for saying: “Nothing of eternal significance is ever accomplished apart from prayer.” My daughter Tami and I had the privilege of praying and consulting with him when he asked, “How much property does TTT Christian Youth Ministries have?” When we said, “30 acres,” he replied, “You can really accomplish a lot with 30 acres.”
As we are moving toward TTT’s 59th birthday February 1, 2025, God willing, we need to teach, challenge, and equip more youth and adults in evangelism. The ongoing vision: Every youth, before turning 20, to hear the Gospel with an invitation to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
On the 7th and 27th of every month, we send a “Prayer update” by email to inform prayer partners, report on what God has done and is doing, and request prayer for the days and efforts ahead.
Are you a believer? Will you pray the “Model Prayer” to change things as Jesus taught?