1 Timothy 2:1-4

 1 Timothy 2:1-4 KJV

[1] I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; [2] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. [3] For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; [4] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

The word for supplications is a general word for prayer and according to Heibert, suggests that the prayer "springs from the feeling of want".  The prayer should carry the weight of the need and not be a mere distracted mumbling of niceties.   The word translated from generally as prayers, is a word that denotes reverence.  It is to remember that God is in heaven and we are on earth.  In the way that Jesus teaches us to pray, Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Next, the greek word for intercessions here suggests childlike confidence.  It is familiar prayer that is prayed in childlike expectation of an answer on behalf of others.  Finally the Giving of thanks indicates that all prayer should be offered in the attitude of gratitude to God for all of His blessings.  Appreciative of the blessings already received and prepared to receive the answer to the prayer currently being said.  It includes thankfulness for his Graciousness.  For all men, reminds us to pray for our enemies as well as our friends and simulataniously reminds us to focus outward.  This is very important as so many of our prayers if not infused with this command, tend to focus on self, which is one of the very things we are to fight against as Christians.