The other 6 days...pray

Last week we started our series called “The other 6 days...” and we talked about how it vital praise and worship is in our lives. We talked about how it is our life and not just singing.

Today as we continue our series we will talk about how vital prayer in our daily life is.

God wants to have a relationship

Where?

I remember years ago. It was New Years Day and I was just at a lock in all night long and just got home. I was obviously tired and fell asleep pretty quick. I was out. Then God woke me up and told me to pray. Why Lord? “Someone needs your prayer.” The Lord told me. I felt a very heavy burden. I prayed and a immediate peace fell over me and I fell back to sleep. I have asked and wondered many times why I needed to pray and who I was praying for and I have yet to receive the answer to that but I will find out one day.

anywhere as long as you are not putting on a show

What is prayer?

who?

The best definition that I can give you is that prayer is talking to God. It is our direct line to our Lord.

everyone - everyone - everyone

Prayer can be audible or silent. It can be private or with others.

We see in scripture that the wicked have no desire to pray () and children of God have a desire to pray (.)

what?

everything and anything

Paul tells us in Philippians (4:6-7) that we are to pray and give our request to the Lord in every situation.

Why pray?

When?

What is the point of prayer when God knows what we are going to ask for and knows what the answer is?

always

We pray because God commands us to (.)

Jesus fully God and fully man prayed.

We pray for our relationship with God to grow.

Please show me a relationship with someone that will grow with no communication.

Please turn with me:

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NIV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

v.16

“rejoice”

This goes along with last weeks message. This is not just being happy but this is joy in the Lord.

“rejoice” when?

“always”

at church and the other 6 days

v.17

“pray”

we talked about what pray is and why we should pray but now we see when we should pray

“pray” when?

continually

at church and the other 6 days

continually?

Does this mean to be walking around or on our knees 24 hours a day praying?

Is this what you say is the life of Christ and the disciples?

It is not that we should do nothing but pray, but that nothing else we do should hinder our prayers at the proper time.

v.18

“give thanks in all circumstances”

“all circumstances” include circumstances that happen not only at church but the other 6 days

I am not able to give thanks for all of the circumstances in my life. Are you?

I am able to give thanks in all circumstances and know that through every good and every bad situation that the Lord is with me.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 32: 1, 2 Thessalonians / 1, 2 Timothy / Titus Standing Orders for the Church

Obedience to these three commands is difficult. But Christ calls us to a life of joy, prayer, and gratitude. Nothing worthwhile is ever easy, but the rewards of obedience to these commands are rich and full.

What is God’s will for you?

1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thursday is the National Day of Prayer.

Please sign up to join the prayer team and join us Thursday evening for an hour of prayer.