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
>