August 22, 2017
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8 (NIV)
The ministry of prayer is a privilege given to both men and women, but Paul is calling men to take the lead here. Women have often excelled in this ministry. Paul says to the men, “Don’t be passive here; I want you to lead in prayer. Here are three things that can hinder you…”
- Lifting up unholy hands
The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. That doesn’t mean you have to be perfect before you pray. It means you can’t pray effectively, as long as you are holding onto a sin or a grudge. The only way to pray is to come before God (in faith and repentance) in the name of Jesus Christ, who alone has clean hands and a pure heart. He is at the right hand of the Father. He is there for you. You can pray because of him. - Praying with anger
Divided churches cannot advance the gospel. Christians in dispute with each other cannot accomplish much in mission. Peter says that husbands are to treat their wives with gentleness and respect so that nothing will hinder their prayers. Our Lord tells us, “If you come to pray and remember something between you and your brother, go away and put it right first.” - Praying without faith
The word translated “without… disputing” (2:8) comes from the same word as the English word dialogue—a conversation with two voices. Don’t be double-minded! Pray with faith.
Put these in order from 1 (most) to 3 (least) in terms of how much they may be hindering your prayer life.