The Basis of Prayer

Aim: To learn why and how the Church is to pray.

Doctrine: Prayer is motivated by what God has done in Christ's Church. Like faith, this has to do with hearing; like God, Redeemed hearts are thrilled with salvation.

Exegesis: Help for the Church's prayer life: there are reasons that inspire our prayers (faith in Christ, love for the Church) (v. 15); there is joy that propels our prayers ([in] continual heartfelt thanksgiving) (v. 16a); there is content that enlightens our prayers (the Church's growth in and love for Christ) (v. 16b).

Further application: How to be more effective in prayer: first, let us prioritize—as Jesus and His apostles did; then, let us petition God for the Church's fuller experience of her inheritance.

Key verses: vv. 15-16 ''Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers...''