First of all, there are no degrees of spirituality. You are either in right 
relationship to God or you are carnal, living by means of the flesh or sin 
nature.
Secondly, there are degrees of maturity as we grow in the grace and 
knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Third, Galatians 6:1-3 indicates that you or I can truly know whether or not 
we are spiritual, in right relationship with God. I cannot know if you are 
spiritual and you cannot know if I am. Only God and the individual can truly 
know.
Fourth, one becomes and remains spiritual as he counts himself to be dead to 
his old sinful nature and alive to God in the Lord Jesus Christ. Counting 
such to be true, we then focus our attention on things above where we are 
seated at the right hand of God in Christ Jesus.  Just think of it, Godd 
sees us in Christ and we should also see ourselves in Him. This means that 
we always have instant communication with the Father anytime and anywhere. 
Should we commit an act of sin, the fellowship and communication is 
interrupted until we confess, (agree with God about our sin), and return our 
focus and/or thinking to things above--those things being the position and 
possessions we have in Christ. And we never have to say, "Talk to you 
later.", "In Jesus name." or any other closing statement--it is an open line 
of communication at all times.

Listening for His shout!
Grant

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Phil Scovell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2013 8:29 PM
Subject: Re: Pray Without Ceasing


> We first must be spiritual.  I agree.  If I asked the question, then, "How 
> do we become spiritual enough to pray, that is, commune with God?"  Does 
> this mean there are degrees, or levels, of spirituality?  If so, how do we 
> know what level one must be on before our prayers are heard?  Good 
> question. How do we know our prayers are answered when we pray or does 
> that just depend upon God?  How does one correctly judge their own level, 
> or degree, of spirituality?
>
> Phil.
>
>
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Grant E. Metcalf" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2013 5:21 PM
> Subject: Re: Pray Without Ceasing
>
>
>> Phil ask: "But how do we generate that attitude?  An attitude of what?"
>>
>> 1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
>>
>> The word "pray" comes from a Greek word "proseuch" which in its primary 
>> definition means "worship" It goes on to say in verse 18 "In everything 
>> gives thanks: for this is the _desirous] will of God in Christ Jesus 
>> concerning you." And notice in Philippians 4:6-7: "Be careful or anxious 
>> for nothing; but in everything by prayer (worship) and supplication after 
>> thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 and the peace of 
>> God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds 
>> through Christ Jesus."
>>
>> In order to enjoy the above prayer or grace communication relationship we 
>> first must be spiritual.  That means we are in fellowship with God, 
>> having our sins confessed, First John 1:9, and our minds focused on 
>> things above, at the right hand of the Father in the heavenlies 
>> (Colossians 3:1-3). Of course, this must all begin with considering 
>> ourselves to be dead to our old sinful nature and alive to God in our 
>> Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11). Then with our reflective thinking fixed 
>> on all of the benefits and riches we have "in Christ" we are able to 
>> offer up the sacrifice of praise for who and what God is; the fruit of 
>> our lips confessing or agreeing with Him about what He says about 
>> Himself. cf. Hebrews 13:15. Hebrews 13:15 should not be "giving thanks" 
>> but "confessing or agreeing" with God regarding what we find in His Word 
>> about His character. BTW, "name" implies character. When we pray we 
>> should be in right relationship as we pray. Tagging on the "In Jesus 
>> name" formula in and of itself is worthless!
>>
>> So then, the attitude comes from being in a right spiritual relationship 
>> to the Father and allowing the Holy Spirit to reproduce the quality of 
>> Christ's life in us.
>>
>> Father, You are a gracious God, providing so many wonderful benefits to 
>> your sons and daughters through the righteousness of Jesus Christ, given 
>> to us at the new birth. Thank you for the Holy Spirit Who is able to 
>> reproduce that righteousness in our lives here on earth as we walk by 
>> means of His leading us from moment to moment each day. And thank you for 
>> the hope we have of one day being able to stand and fall in worship in 
>> your very presence. And may the Spirit help us not to forget to study 
>> Your Word so that we may continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of 
>> our Lord Jesus Christ.
>>
>> Listening for His shout!
>>
>> Grant
>>
>> PS:  Click on the following link to the studies on Grace Communication:
>> http://bartimaeus.us/messages/dks-prayer.html
>>