This is important because Jesus is showing believers how much we need to pray without ceasing, whilst still remembering to rejoice evermore. (I Thessalonians 5:17) Moreover, Jesus is explaining how critical it is for believers to get their spiritual/heavenly bread daily -- through the reading and studying of the scriptures -- the Word of God -- and likewise to not deny His precious Name. (Revelation 3:8-9) But there is more. For example:
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast [to] that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calls you, who also will do it." (I Thessalonians 5:16-28)
Note the word "wholly" in this scripture is not spelled as "holy." Rather, the word wholly represents the whole of us -- The very God of peace sanctifying all of us -- including our "whole spirit and soul and body" being preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we understand the first commandment -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is ONE LORD [and that we are to] love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength," the use of the word wholly makes sense.
We are to give our everything to our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. But in pressing toward the mark which is Christ, Jesus knew that we also needed to know how to pray an effectual prayer. In fact, Jesus instructs us to "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41)
While praying, we are to "be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6) We are not to use vain repetitions (as the heathen do) but enter into a closet and when one has shut the door, we are to pray to the Father which is in secret, "and Thy Father which sees in secret shall reward you openly. Why is this?
Because as Jesus said, "If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." (John 15:7)
"Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." (Romans 8:26)
So, lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting. (I Timothy 2:8)
"Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer ..." (Romans 12:12)
Pray for those who hate you and/or despitefully use you. (Luke 6:27-28)
Mix prayer and singing with joy with the joy of the Lord Jesus, which surpasses all human understanding.
"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Know too, that after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, behold, the angels came and ministered unto Him -- again showing us how critical prayer is in our day to day.
Therefore, in your day to day, bless the Lord, O my soul, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His Word! Bless ye the Lord, all [ye] His hosts; [ye] ministers of His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul." (Psalm 103:20-22)
It is no wonder that the disciples desired more as these said unto Jesus, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." (Luke 11:1-54) And just like those disciples, so should we as believers by faith in the Lord of glory.
Stand in the offering plate.
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