Pastor Craig Diestelkamp (or right click here to save to your computer)
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19
“It is not in the moving of the lips that is the essence of prayer. It is in the elevation of the heart to God.” (J.B. Lightfoot)
The key to unceasing prayer is DEPENDENCE UPON GOD! When we are truly dependent on God, prayer is the normal response. No matter what happens, you recognize your complete dependence on God’s power and grace. Clearly, the text says that. This is a way of life, just like always rejoicing and always giving thanks; you are always praying. This is the will of God for you. And you respond because you understand that no matter what happens, you have reason to rejoice; you have reason to be thankful; you have reason to pray…because God overrules all the bad things to produce good.
Examples of unceasing prayer
Jesus (Luke 22:42)
The early church
The New Testament
Ways that God motivates us to pray!
1. God has sent us the Holy Spirit to lead us into intimate relationship through prayer.
Romans 8:15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,
2. God loves to deliver us from trouble.
Psalm 20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble…
3. God wants to give us compassion for the lost.
Romans 10:1 my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.”
Romans 9:1 -2 With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.
