Worshipping God in Prayer

"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. 

http://sainpublications.com 

EVERYONE SHOULD GO TO PTP

Starts making plans for next fall, NOW! Everyone should go to Polishing The Pulpit. Yea, I know that it says, “pulpit,” but that is because of where and how it started twenty years ago. It started with a few preachers swapping sermons, and in it’s earliest years classes were geared toward preachers. But now, it has grown to a point of over 3,500 attendees this week, and it is no longer just for preachers. For the past several years, they have added a Spiritual Renewal Weekend for those who cannot attend during the week.

There are classes for elders, deacons, ladies, teen girls, teen boys, members, teens (both boys & girls), pre-teen, and even young children’s VBS style classes.

There are classes on a variety of subjects this year dealing with textual studies, Hebrew and Greek language studies, marriage and family classes, classes for college age on faithfulness, classes on the use of technology in services, websites, Bible apps, etc., topical studies on the Holy Spirit, evangelism, mission work, Millennialism, sexual issues, pornography, homosexuality, prayer, Christian evidences. There was a period of prayer on behalf of America.  There was even a “mock-debate.” There are over 180 speakers this year, as well.

Each night, there are “late-night” PTP activities for the Teens. Often, you can hear them outside with the mountains as a backdrop blending their voices in praise to God singing beautiful songs.

Sunday morning worship and each evening’s keynote speakers draw the largest of crowds together in a huge Event Hall and even overflow rooms where there are over 3,500 Christian voices blended together singing sweet praises to our God. This is a great atmosphere for fellowship, camaraderie, digging deeper-type of studies, and even resources for books, mission works, clothing, etc.

There is something for everybody at this Spiritual Workshop.  Many thanks to the Jacksonville church of Christ, Jacksonville, AL for its oversight of PTP. May God continue to be glorified through this great work of the Lord’s church.

~Wayne Rodgers