Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    On the subject of prayer...

    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 exhort us to pray continually. We should note that giving thanksgiving and rejoicing in Christ are other factors. Meditating on the Word day and night ( Joshua 1:8) certainly would be the other principal act associated with answered prayers. This verse in greater detail gives the exhortation to DO the things in the Word; and gives the added benefit of prosperity and success. This causes us to look at Solomon's prayer for wisdom when God also gave Him what He DIDN'T ask for in terms of exceedingly great riches. 1 Kings 3:5-15 shows this coming to pass; but of course the later sins that Solomon committed despite being warned of God to avoid basically caused the downfall of Israel.

    There are obvious guidelines of what to avoid in seeing answered prayer in the Book of James chapter 4. We should note that this passage can be broadly taken for ANY type of lust (sexual; power; material gain) that comes from the world; flesh or the Devil. This would be something that hopefully would be limited to new; immature believers or the prosperity preaching crowd.

    There are a number of basic concepts that need to be covered here providing that we are at least attempting caution as to the warnings in James; including our character not being "double minded" for example; where a person is warned that they should expect nothing from God. (see James 4:8).

    Fact One: The primary purpose of prayer should be for the sake of God's Kingdom. The most obvious conclusion should of course be in accordance with the Lord's Prayer that HIS will is done and His Kingdom comes; and that He gets all the power and glory. ( Matthew 6; Luke 11 version somewhat abbreviated). That prayer is written as a general concept of prayer; only asking for "daily bread" as a request for human needs. It is not to be rehearsed as a mantra.

    Fact Two: Prayers need to be secondarily for the edification of the Body. (more in next section)



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