1 Timothy 2:8: Pray Everywhere
2021-09-18
1 Timothy 2:8
“I will therefore that men pray every where.” This may remind us of what the Spirit says elsewhere: “Pray without ceasing.” This command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is for everyone. Here, in 1 Timothy 2:8, we see this is specifically for men. “Men” can sometimes refer to all people, but since we have commandments later that deal with women, we know this is specifically for men.
We should realize, unlike 1 Peter 3:1-7 and Ephesians 5:22-33, this is not a passage about husbands and wives, but rather about men and women in general.
Men are to pray, “lifting up holy hands.” This makes it sound like praying within the local church (cf. Matthew 6:6). The rest of the chapter is dealing with public behavior, so it makes sense to that end. Men are the leaders in prayer and worship. This is not a choice. Men will either be good leaders or poor leaders in prayer and worship.
Lifting up hands, and bowing their heads, and prostrating themselves was how they worshipped in Nehemiah 8:6. Supplications were made by lifting up hands towards the holiest (Psalm 28:2). Other verses include Psalm 63:4; 119:48; 134:2; Lamentations 2:19; 3:41. Solomon prays to God to dedicate the Temple, where he “spread forth his hands toward heaven” (1 Kings 8:22; cf. 2 Chronicles 6:12).
As an aside, why does almost everyone today pray with their hands folded and eyes closed? I believe it is because of the parable of the Pharisee and the publican in Luke 18:9-14. The penitent publican “would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven” (Luke 18:13). The falsely confident Pharisee boasted of his works, yet the publican knew of his sin. It is likely we are trying to identify with the publican. The Father will hear any prayer in any posture, provided it is in faith.
It is interesting that men’s prayers should be “without wrath and doubting.” Without doubting makes sense to us. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).
How about wrath? Do men naturally pray in their wrath? Possibly this could refer to imprecatory prayer. A few examples of these include Numbers 16:15 and Psalm 69:22. Perhaps it could be a reference to rash prayers in anger. Prayer should be offered to the Lord in faith, carefully considering the welfare of others, for the Lord commanded, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44).