Does this verse look familiar?
It is not unusual to see it, but looking more closely, I am thinking it should not be separated from the verses that are written alongside:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (WEB)
16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 19 Don’t quench the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophesies. 21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
If you look at how Paul wrote it inside of this portion of this letter, it is clear that there is more here than just the positive front end that we all want to quote without realizing that we are leaving out some of the most relative parts connected that would help us to follow the lead that Paul was trying to share. It was all needed, to really give encouragement and help in reassurance to the believers there. Paul was trying to urge them to go on working quietly and be effective while waiting in hope.
So I have a question. . .
Why is it that it that Paul made a point to include it? Could it be for the same reason today. . .
In the context of those who pray & are who are called to pray, we all need to be encouraged and reassured as believers the true value of prayer!
I continue my hunt for the “back story” to the verses that jump off the pages of Scripture for me. Since 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 is one of my all time favorites, I decided to take some of my quiet time to go see. That journey led me to want to research the patterns of Jesus in regard to how He was a model for praying continuously and in many different types of circumstances and situations. It doesn’t take long to see the value here. When I searched “prayers of Jesus” LOOK at what came up. . .
It is interesting that a quick search in Bible Gateway at: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/2360-Jesus-Christ-prayers
“2360 Jesus Christ, prayers of
Prayer was the essence of Jesus Christ’s relationship with the Father. He prayed for himself and his mission, and he continues to pray for all believers.
Jesus Christ’s practice of prayer
He prayed regularly Lk 5:16 Luke records more instances of Jesus Christ praying than any other Gospel writer.
He often prayed alone Mk 1:35 See also Mt 14:23 pp Mk 6:46; Lk 6:12; Lk 9:18
Prayer at specific times in Jesus Christ’s life
Before his death: Mt 26:36-46 pp Mk 14:32-41 pp Lk 22:39-46; Jn 17:1-26 On the cross: Mt 27:46 pp Mk 15:34; Lk 23:34,46; Lk 3:21-22 at his baptism; Lk 6:12-13 before choosing the apostles; Lk 9:28-29 before his transfiguration
Characteristics of Jesus Christ’s prayers
Communion with his Father Mt 6:9 pp Lk 11:2; Mt 11:27 pp Lk 10:22
Submission to his Father Heb 5:7 See also Mt 6:10; Mt 26:36 pp Mk 14:36 pp Lk 22:42
Giving praise and thanks to his Father Mt 11:25-26 pp Lk 10:21 See also Mt 14:19 pp Mk 6:41 pp Lk 9:16 pp Jn 6:11; Mt 15:36 pp Mk 8:6-7; Mt 26:26-27 pp Mk 14:22-23 pp Lk 22:17-19 pp 1Co 11:24 the Lord’s Supper; Lk 24:30; Jn 11:41-42
The scope of Jesus Christ’s prayers Mt 19:13-15 pp Mk 10:13-16 pp Lk 18:15-17 for children For his disciples: Lk 22:31-32; Jn 14:16; Jn 17:6-19
Lk 23:34 for his persecutors For himself: Jn 12:27-28; Jn 17:1-5Jn 17:20-26 for all believers
Jesus Christ’s continuing ministry of prayer Heb 7:25 See also Ro 8:34; 1Jn 2:1
Jesus Christ’s teaching about prayer Mt 6:9-15 pp Lk 11:2-4 See also Mt 5:44; Mt 6:5-8; Lk 6:28; Lk 18:1-8,9-14; Lk 21:36
See more at:
Dictionary of Bible Themes Scripture index copyright Martin H. Manser, 2009. As Editor, Martin Manser wishes to thank all those who compiled or edited the NIV Thematic Study Bible, on which this work is based.
Check out my source for this blog at Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/dictionary-of-bible-themes/2360-Jesus-Christ-prayers
So I am asking the Father, how do we help people who have a heart to pray, just follow His lead?
Linda Bemis Prayer Director, International Orality
How many Bibles do you have access to?
Are you aware that there are still 1850+ people groups who do not have one verse?! How can this be? You are invited to pray with us each Thursday / ION Prayer Info http://orality.net/prayer_partners
