We also Pray Always

Text: 2 Thes. 1:11-12
29 January 2011

REVIEW

1. Spirit of thanksgiving          (2 Thes. 1:1)

2. Spirit of perseverance, knowing the judgment of God          (2 Thes. 1:5)

a. Punishment for those who trouble us

b. Rest for those who are afflicted

THE COMMITMENT TO PRAY

Therefore we also pray always for you…2 Thes. 1:11

1. Purpose in prayer

2. Persistence in prayer

3. Personal concern in prayer

THE CATEGORIES OF THOUGHTS OF PRAYER

1. To be counted worthy

That our God would count you worthy of this calling…
2 Thes. 1:11

2. To fulfil

And fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,…
2 Thes. 1:11

a. The good pleasure of His goodness

b. The work of faith with power

3. To glorify the Lord’s name

That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him…2 Thes. 1:12

a. In us

b. We in Him

4. To depend on grace

According to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thes. 2:12

a. Grace of our God

b. Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. What is our prayer life like?

2. Do we think through what we want to pray?

3. Does it square with Paul’s categories of thoughts of prayer?

4. Do you see a need to depend on the Lord’s grace as we pray?