I like that Grant.

----- 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
>