How Should We Pray Together in Church?

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Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.
In chapter 2, Paul gives Timothy instruction on practical matters starting with worship.  It is interesting he starts with the role of prayer in worship.  Prayer is worship in the sense that we are communicating with God in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Paul cites four different kinds of prayer. 
1. Petitions.  These are also called supplications, where we are asking God to provide for a need.
2. Prayers - Prayer in a general sense.
3. Intercession - Interceding for another person's needs.  Could be a physical or emotional need or for for their salvation.
4. Thanksgiving - This is a constant attitude in all prayers as we are always giving thanks. For instance, thanksgiving for the gift of prayer.  Thanksgiving for who God is as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Thanksgiving for all the good gifts God has given us such as family, food and friends.  Most of all we are thankful for the free gift of salvation through Christ. 
Then, Paul instructs us to pray for all those in authority, including kings.  Today for instance it would be praying for our President and all elected leaders.  Part of this prayer is for submission to our earthly rulers.  Paul urges Timothy to have the believers there live in peace and not seek to try and be agitators of those who are in charge of the state.  
And, in conclusion Paul says that God wants all people to be saved.  As we pray for all people, we know that God loves all people and wants them to come to salvation through His Son, Jesus.  Therefore, we should intercede for all people who have yet to come to a knowledge of the truth.  Why?  Because God tells us to, and God has provided the way for them to be saved.  Jesus has paved the way and has become the mediator between God and man.  God's desire is for all people to be saved, and his desire is expressed through sending Jesus save us.  The only thing left is whether a person wants to be saved.  Do they have a desire to know God and do they accept God's free gift in His Son?  
Therefore, you could conclude that God doesn't send anybody to hell.  As we pray for people to come to Christ, we pray for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of their heart.  So when we worship God this kind of prayer should be an integral part of our worship life together.  It also can fuel your own personal life.  This is a good model to use for your personal prayer life as well.  Remember prayer is talking to God in the power of the Holy Spirit.   

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