January 21, 2022 -- I Thessalonians 5:16-19 -- Why Pray?

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.
I Thessalonians 5:16-19 ESV

The question can be asked: “Why pray?” if God already knows all we need. It is a question that has been asked through-out the ages. One answer, written in the mid 1500’s, is part of a document called: “The Heidelberg Catechism”. This was written as an instruction in the faith. Today, question and answer 116 of the Catechism will be quoted, along with its source texts, in case you are interested in reading further.

116.Q. Why is prayer necessary for Christians?

  1. Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness which God requires of us. 1Moreover, God will give his grace and the Holy Spirit only to those who constantly and with heartfelt longing ask him for these gifts and thank him for them. 2

Heidelberg Catechism, LORD’S DAY 45; Question and Answer 116.

Yesterday, as I was meeting with a brother in Christ, who just very recently became a Christian, he had some questions about prayer. As we were chatting his eyes grew wide, excitedly he shared something he had just realized: ‘We never run out of things to give thanks for”. So true.

The Spirit is given to those who ask. Grace is given to those who ask. It is an act of humility to know your need and to ask God for His help. It is the good pleasure of the Spirit to work in the life of the believer who asks for help. The believer who is aware of his broken condition and great hour by hour, need for the Spirit’s dynamic work will be a man of urgent, unceasing prayer.

Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of prayer.
Father in heaven, thank You that though You know what Your people need, before even You are ever asked. You have promised to answer the prayers of Your people. Faithful God, we turn unfilled to You again, asking that You will fill us up with the joy of Your great salvation, fill us up with the knowledge of Jesus’ mighty work and fill us up with the holy-making work of the Spirit. Forgive us for all the wrongs we have done. Forgive us for the work we have left undone. Spirit of God renew in us, a holy, zealous, striving for the things of Christ so that sins and temptations lose their appeal to us. Spirit of God, thank You for taking up residence in the life of every believer and throwing out the works of evil and making us fit temples for Your residence and preparing us for eternity in the glorious Presence of Him Who Alone lives in unapproachable Light. Amen.

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