HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE PRAY?

WELCOME TO PASTOR DR. CARLOTTA'S COUNSELNG CENTER.

The word always is taken from the Greek phrase, enpantikairo. The word en means at, the word panti means each and every day, the word kairo, is the Greek word for times of seasons. When all three of these words are used together in one phrase, en-panti-kairo, they would be more accurately translated, at each and every occasion. It could read, at every opportunity, every time you get a chance, at every season, or at each and every possible moment.

For each occasion, there is a prayer, but and occasion is a time for praying in the Spirit. Praying in the Spirit, or praying in tongues(I Corinthians 14:4) edifies or builds you up to make you sensitive to know the needs of others so you can effectively pray in faith for them.

Supplication in the Spirit is a phrase that refers to Romans 8:26-27 and Jude 20 where the Holy Spirit assisted prayer is taught and directed. Paul clearly shows that such praying may include praying in a tongue not known to the person praying.

There are several types of prayer found in the New testament:

1. Prayer of consecration

2. Prayer of petition

3. Prayer of urgent need

4. Prayer of thanksgiving

5. Prayer of supplication

6. Prayer of intercession

7. Prayer of faith

8. Prayer of agreement

9. United prayer

Read Ephesians 6:19; Colossians 4:3 and I Corinthians 16:9.

From verse 10 Paul has focused on spiritual warfare. It is ultimately for the opening of door so that the ministry of the Gospel may be advanced.

In biblical thought, the term mystery means something formerly hidden, but now revealed, which people cannot understand except by divine revelation. The mystery of the Kingdom of God means that the kingdom of God has come in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, in His word and works. It is a kingdom which began to penetrate the human situation in a new way in and through His ministry, which continues to do so through the church. This kingdom awaits ultimate consummation at the end of the age.

Only by faith can one recognize in the lively figure of Jesus of Nazareth, the manifestation of God's rule. Read Mark 4:11 and Ephesians 6:20.

AMBASSADOR- the Greek word is presbyoooh. Literally to be the elder, and later, to be an ambassador, a representative of a ruling authority. Ambassadors would be chosen from the ranks of mature, experienced men. To be an ambassador for Christ necessitates spiritual maturity. Because Paul was bold to speak the gospel, he was now in prison. But he asked for more boldness. The gospel meant more to Paul than a man's threat and confinement. He says that, even though he is in chains, he is an ambassador.

He says, That I my speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Ought to speak means that he will speak at the right time. There is an important clue. You need to pray to the Lord that you will know what to say and also know the right time to say it. Paul here pointed out the importance of knowing when to say the right thing. Read Ephesians 6:21-22.

Tychicus not only carried the epistle to the Ephesians, but he also gave a personal account of the conditions of and the prospects for the apostle Paul. Tychicus, the pastor of the church at Ephesus, is an example of the many faithful servants of Christ in the early church. The apostle Paul had great confidence in him. Read Ephesians 6:23,24 and II Timothy 4:6-8.

Paul is ending this book in the attitude of love. His is not bitter in prison, btu still care for the saints. He ministers peace, love with faith, and grace to them all. He close with a two-fold benediction. Most of the great words of he gospel are contained in it: Peace, love, faith, grace. Peace was the form of greeting of the Jewish world. A sinner must know the grace of God before he can experience the peace of God. This is the peace of God which passes all understanding.

Love in verse 23 means love for the other believers. This is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. In verse 24 the love is of the believer for the lord Jesus Christ, and this love is in incorruptibleness (a better translation than in sincerity).

Faith means faith in christ which produce active love. These flow from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace is the key word of the epistle. It opened the epistle (1:2) and is the subject of the epistle (2:7-8). It now concludes the epistle. It is a fitting word because it is God's grace which saved us and which sustains us today.

If you haven't accepted Christ as your Savior simply say in an audible voice, in all sincerity from the depths of your heart, "Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me of my sins and accept me as Your child. I accept You as my personal Savior and I promise to follow the instructions of Your Word from this day on. If I fail because I am human, please help pick me up so I can try again! Thank you, Jesus, for saving me from all my sins. AMEN."