Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”(1 Timothy 2:3–4)

Not once, not twice, not three times or even four, but five times Paul uses the word "all" in this section. No doubt, as Paul writes to Pastor Timothy, he wants to emphasize the holistic nature of seeking and saving the lost through prayer, godly living, and sound theology.

Let's explore together all of Paul's uses of the word "all" in this particular section.

First, in verse 1, we see the word "all" used to prioritize prayer. "I exhort first of all," Paul declares. Supplicate! Pray! Intercede! Give Thanks! Why do we, in the perplexity of our ways, place prayer at the tail instead of giving it the preeminent position? What an anomaly we experience in our Christian walks! Let us, therefore, invite prayer to occupy the seat of honor at the table of our lives.

Second, also in verse 1, we see the word "all" used for who we ought to be praying for. Our prayers are not to be selective and discriminate, but for "all men" and for "all who are in authority." How quickly we pray for those we like and blaspheme those we hate. Our enemies likely need our intercession more than our friends, and yet how often are they omitted from our prayers?

For what did Christ say? —

“…bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” (Luke 6:28)

Beloved, those whom you would soon leave out of your prayers, I encourage you, put them at the top of your list.

Third, in verse 2, we are called to be people of prayer for the specific purpose of leading "a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." If your life is chaotic and spiritually unsettled, could it be that your prayers are misguided? What if the proper prayer life was all that you were lacking?

“You ask and do not receive because you ask amiss…” (James 4:3)

Fourth, in verses 4-6, we are to align our focus with God, who Himself "desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Furthermore, our Lord Jesus Christ "gave Himself a ransom for all.”

In another letter, Paul exhorts us to become imitators of God as dear children (see Ephesians 5:1). What better way to imitate God than to have the salvation of all men on our minds, in our prayers, and at the heart of our mission? And our mission is the Great Commission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel! (see Matthew 28:18-20)

Beloved, open your hearts to everyone and anyone by engaging in fervent prayer for them. Pray for your neighbors. Pray for your enemies. Pray for the last person who offended you. Pray, pray and pray! And when you’re done praying, pray some more!

Do this, and watch how the Lord will give you a profound compassion for others you would not otherwise have. It all begins with prayer for all.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18)