"Praying always with all
prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all
perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians
6:18 KJV). This is part of Paul’s ARMOR
OF GOD finale in his letter to
the church at Ephesus, the ever-needful reminder to be in prayer “always.” In the Thessalonian letter,
Paul called on the church to “pray
without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in
Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thess. 5:17-18).
While
the early church engaged in prayer in their daily lives, we also are able to
see that it was a vital part of the worship assembly in the early church, as
well. “And they continued stedfastly in
the apostles 'doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in
prayers” (Acts 2:42). In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he instructed how
to “conduct yourself in the house of God,
which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth”
(1 Tim. 3:15, NKJV), teaching him that “men
pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands…” (1 Tim. 2:8). The instruction for
men was given to lead those prayers and that their lives should reflect
holiness “without wrath and doubting”
(2:8b). As in all of our worship activities, it should be men who are leading
as Paul would a few verses later give reason: “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but
the woman being deceived, fell into transgression” (1 Tim. 2:13, 14).
With that in mind, consider that God Will Answer
Our Prayers IF We:
- Are Obedient (1 John 3:22-24)
- Do The Will of the Father (John 9:31)
- Are Righteous (1 Peter 3:12)
- Abide In Christ (John 15:7)
- Ask According to Lord’s Will (1 John 5:14)
- Pray in Faith (Matthew 21:22)
- Ask In Faith (James 1:5-7)
- Have the Right Motive (James 4:3-6)
- Pray With Understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15)
- Pray Intensely (Matthew 7:7-11)
- Pray With Thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6)
- Pray in Jesus’ Name (John 14:13-14; Col. 3:17)
~Wayne Rodgers
*The
above list is found in Sain Publication’s
READY REFERENCE For Growing Christians.
