Why We Pray

Why We Pray                                     1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 (v16-18)Pray – to talk with GodPRAY, v. t. To supplicate; to entreat; to urge.[1]PRA´YER, n. In a general sense, the act of asking for a favor, and particularly with earnestness.[2]6 Reasons Why We Pray:V12-13                  It Highlights Our Reliance On GodV14-15                  It Builds Up OthersV16-18                  It Sustains The Individual (The One Who Prays)V 19-20                It Leads Us In What NOT To DoV21-22                  It Leads Us In What We SHOULD DoV23-24                  It Grows Us Closer To GodV12-13                  It Highlights Our Reliance On GodAcknowledge (recognize and appreciate)                  Those who do the work [live out ministry in life] (evangelize, disciple and strengthen)Live In Peace With One Another                  We are all God’s creation, deserving of respect and concernV14-15                  It Builds Up OthersWarn                  The unbelievers and those who sit by, while the work carries on around themEncourage                  Those who have been *human* and encountered failures and fallsHelp                  The marginalized, the oppressed and those who sufferBe Patient                  With Everyone. Everyone. Everyone. EVERYONE.Do What Is Good For Each Other                  Do not pay back wrong for wrong. Do not live out a tit for tat life. V16-18                  It Sustains The IndividualRejoice Always                  No matter the circumstances, there is hope to be found! Our hope is in the Lord!Pray Continually                  Prayer is an opportunity to invite God in, we let down our guards and let God LEAD!Give Thanks In All Circumstances                  If we are alive and breathing, we still have reason to celebrate!= This is God’s will for you (in Jesus)!                   This is how we seek our God’s will for our lives: rejoice, pray and be thankful!V 19-20                It Leads Us In What NOT To DoDo Not!-              Quench the Spirit-              Oppose Spiritual Gifts (prophecy) instead, trust but verify…V21-22                  It Leads Us In What We SHOULD DoDO! -              Hold on to what is good-              Reject every kind of evilV23-24                  It Grows Us Closer To GodAsk God to:-              Sanctify you (Grow You)-              Keep you blameless (Keep You) o   You = Spirit, Soul and Bodyo   Numbers 6:22-27§  Lord Bless You and Keep You§  Lord Shine His Face On You§  Lord Be Gracious To You§  Lord Life His Continence (Face) On You§  Lord Give You PeaceGod =-              Calls Us-              Provides For Us-              Is Faithful To Deliver On His Word[1] Noah Webster, Noah Webster’s First Edition of An American Dictionary of the English Language. (Anaheim, CA: Foundation for American Christian Education, 2006).[2] ibid