My thought her is that spirituality is based not on what we do or don't do
but more of who we are; or whose we are. Like being a prince or princess
just gives you certain family privileges and responsibilities.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Scovell" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, August 03, 2013 9:29 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
>>
>
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