praying effectively: Rejoice and Pray (1Thess. 5:16-28)

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-28)  Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit; 20 do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 27 I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we strive to walk a holy life (5:23)

- that we carefully examine things to determine if we should hold on to them or avoid them (5:21-22)

- that we do not despise prophetic utterances (5:20)

- that we do not quench the Holy Spirit, but listen to and obey His guidance, and allow Him to work in and through us, and others (5:19)

- that we pray for our spiritual leaders and missionaries (5:25)

- that we pray without ceasing (5:17)

- that we give thanks in everything (5:18)

- that we rejoice always (5:16)

- that we warmly greet each other (5:26)

Today's prayer:

 Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit.  May we always stay in tune and obedient to Your guidance.  Help us examine everything in order to know whether it is in Your will or not.  May we humbly accept Your wisdom through other people, and not develop an attitude of thinking that we have cornered the market in the Holy Spirit's wisdom.

Guide and protect our spiritual leaders.  Keep them steadfast, and confident in Your faith, love and strength.  Give them the appropriate messages in times of need.  Help them to foster an environment of love and unity among Your children. 

Help us to take accountability for our own actions, and strive to help encourage and build up Your body.  Thank You for all the resources that You supply to us so very generously.  Amen.