Before the King (1 Timothy 2:1; 1 Kings 3:16-28; Romans 8:31-34)

1 Timothy 2:1 says, ''... first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, (and) giving of thanks, be made for all... ''.

The words in this verse specifically deal with prayer for others, but the principals found in the words for prayer, apply generally to everyone. To understand these concepts, it is necessary to view these words in their historical setting. What is presented in these words, is that of a petitioner standing before a king making a request, where the throne room, is also the ''court room''. [This imagery is the same as that found in the two harlots coming before Solomon, with their request for a resolution to their conflict and an administering of justice for a wrong committed.( 1 Kings 3:16-28).] [Romans 8:31-34, also presents the legal setting of standing before the King, to obtain justice].

SUPPLICATIONS - This word comes from a root word meaning ''to be in need'', and conveys the meaning of presenting requests based on the need of the moment. In approximately one third of it's uses, it is paired with the word here translated ''prayers''.

PRAYERS - This is the general word for prayer used in the NT, but it is derived from a very specific origin. The root meaning of this word comes from the bold pronouncements and assertions made in battle cries, by those who were victorious over their enemies. Specifically, from this vivid imagery, it means ''to make bold or confident assertions about oneself''. This is not merely an arrogant flaunting of one's accomplishments, but a bold statement of fact.

INTERCESSIONS - This is a technical word for making a petition to a king. Specifically, it conveys the boldness and freedom of access of one who is a friend of the king, and therefore has every confidence that his request will be granted, based on that friendship.

THANKSGIVINGS - This word is also a technical word related to petitioning a ruler or king. It was respectfully thanking the king, in advance, for granting one's request.

There were three formal aspects to presenting a legal petition before a ruler or king:

1) Stating the specific circumstances that occasioned the injustice.

2) Stating the specific request, based on the need of the moment, for which justice was sought.

3) Thanking the ruler or king in advance for granting your request.

SUMMARY: When we come before the throne room of heaven, we

1) Present our specific requests, based on the need of the moment.

2) We can boldly declare our relationship with our Father, the King, based on His past victories and conquests over the enemy. [These conquests are the very reason we are able to come before His presence at all!].

3) We have open access to His presence and because of our relationship of being a friend of the King, we can have every confidence that our requests will be granted.

4) If earthly rulers and kings were shown the respect of being given thanks, in advance, for requests to be granted, how much more, can we, in worship and praise, offer thanksgiving to the King of kings, for our prayers already answered, before we see any physical evidence to indicate that circumstances have changed? We can have confidence that the King has already rendered His verdict and the decree has been given to change the injustice that has occurred against us.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.