1 Timothy 2:8 shows us that God isn’t just concerned with whether we pray; He’s concerned with the kind of men we become as we lead our families. In one sentence, Paul brings together the physical and spiritual pieces that need to come together for powerful prayer.

#1 Prayer. “I desire then that in every place the men should pray…” Paul mentions desire first. Talk to God. We need to be men who pray wherever we are. In Ephesus, “every place” most likely meant house churches around the city.

Leadership doesn’t start with becoming a “Bible-answer man.” It starts when you lean on God and talk to Him. Only then can you lead your wife and kids according to God’s calling.

#2 Holiness. “…lifting holy hands…” Lifting hands is all about having an open posture before God. It’s a small physical sign with heavy spiritual meaning. “Holy” means set apart for God. As in, you’re set apart from the world. You need “clean hands” and “a pure heart.”

Do you really have your heart right when you pray? Or are you holding onto a past mistake? Some grudge? Get right with God, trust Him, and keep talking to Him.

#3 Peace. “…without anger or quarreling…” It seems guys were either not showing up to pray or showing up but bringing conflict with them. Paul calls these men, and you and me, to more. Put away any anger or conflict before you pray.

Ephesus had false teachers who loved conflict. Paul knew prayer was a tool for pointing people to God. The world says anger makes you powerful, but God says anger and conflict kill your peace. It’s humble, real prayer that’s powerful.

How to Pass Your Faith to Your Teenager: Is your faith something your teenager can see, or just something they have heard about? Here is how to pass your faith on to the next generation.

1 Timothy For Dads – Week 3: Self-control. Gentleness. Faithfulness. Managing your household well. This week, Lawson and I unpacked why Paul’s leadership qualifications in 1 Timothy 3 read like a job description for a godly dad.

“When we don’t pray, we quit the fight.

Prayer keeps the Christian’s armor bright.

And Satan trembles when he sees.

The weakest saint upon his knees.”

—William Cowper

Today, take time to:

#1 Pray: Speak the names of your wife and children to God. Pray about one need for each person.

#2 Seek Holiness: Consider one place where your life hasn’t matched your words. Confess it to God and, if necessary, to your family.

#3 Make Peace: Connect with someone you’ve made a mistake with and talk about it. Take the first humble step toward peace.

The praying dad needs clean hands, an open heart, and no fists clenched.

Kent Evans
Executive Director at Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.