Daily Retreat 09/17/07
2007 Sep 17 Mon/ Robert Bellarmine, bp, r, dr
1 Tm 2: 1-8/ Ps 27(28): 2. 7. 8-9/ Lk 7: 1-10
From today’s readings: “First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.... Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer..... Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof.... ”
Range of Prayer for Everyone
After a bit of warning and gratitude expressed in the first chapter, Paul settles down in the second chapter to the main focus of his first letter to Timothy, viz., the cooperation of all members in living together in Christian order. Not surprisingly, prayer is of primary importance, with Paul insisting, “First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.”
All of us, of course, pray regularly for others, but perhaps our prayer covers only a small segment of the range Paul outlines, with his four “categories” of supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. To be sure, these four overlap a bit in context, but they are still helpful distinctions. “Supplications” denote the most urgent cries for the greatest necessities, the welfare of soul and body. “Prayers” are thus less specific, lifting others up to God with the confidence that He knows best anyway about what is good for them. “Petitions,” in contrast, are very specific, appealing on behalf of others for a particular blessing. “Thanksgivings,” though often neglected, are also crucial prayers to be offered not just for ourselves, but for others as well.
To further explore the shades of meaning, you might consider looking up this verse (1 Tim 2:1) in various translations to note the different possible connotations. But don’t settle for just the theoretical distinctions - turn to God and mention by name the people for whom you are offering supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. Needless to say, I’m very grateful when you remember me in your prayers!
1 Tm 2: 1-8/ Ps 27(28): 2. 7. 8-9/ Lk 7: 1-10
From today’s readings: “First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone.... Blessed be the Lord, for He has heard my prayer..... Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof.... ”
Range of Prayer for Everyone
After a bit of warning and gratitude expressed in the first chapter, Paul settles down in the second chapter to the main focus of his first letter to Timothy, viz., the cooperation of all members in living together in Christian order. Not surprisingly, prayer is of primary importance, with Paul insisting, “First of all, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.”
All of us, of course, pray regularly for others, but perhaps our prayer covers only a small segment of the range Paul outlines, with his four “categories” of supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. To be sure, these four overlap a bit in context, but they are still helpful distinctions. “Supplications” denote the most urgent cries for the greatest necessities, the welfare of soul and body. “Prayers” are thus less specific, lifting others up to God with the confidence that He knows best anyway about what is good for them. “Petitions,” in contrast, are very specific, appealing on behalf of others for a particular blessing. “Thanksgivings,” though often neglected, are also crucial prayers to be offered not just for ourselves, but for others as well.
To further explore the shades of meaning, you might consider looking up this verse (1 Tim 2:1) in various translations to note the different possible connotations. But don’t settle for just the theoretical distinctions - turn to God and mention by name the people for whom you are offering supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings. Needless to say, I’m very grateful when you remember me in your prayers!
posted by FrPitstick | 9/16/2007
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