Christianity is relational. From the Garden of Eden before the fall, through the fall, after the fall and eternity, we were created for relationship with God and one another. Through the Gospel, relationships are redeemed. The church at Thessalonica is a model of what Gospel-produced relationships are to be with other believers and the Lord. This Lord’s Day we continue with two more high marks of spiritual maturity in one’s relationship with the Lord – pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances.
See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:15-18
TODAY
Lives a life of unceasing prayer and giving of thanks: 1 Thess. 5:16-18
- The definition of prayer:
John Bunyan – “Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the heart or soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Holy Spirit, for such things as God has promised, or according to his Word for the good of the church, with submission in faith to the will of God.”
The two types of prayer- Petitionary prayer (not without relationship): Matthew 6:9-13
- Relational prayer: Psalm 23, Psalm 31
- The place of giving thanks in prayer: 1 Thess. 5:18, Matt. 11:25, John 11:41, Luke 10:21, Eph. 5:15-20, Luke 17:11-19