Page 30 - Pastoral Epistles student textbook

Paul tells Timothy that the first thing – the primary thing – perhaps the most important thing (V1) first
of all … let’s pray.

 The church is a worshiping, praying community. No matter You are worthy, our
what else we may get involved with –  our primary focus is Lord and God, to receive
worship and prayer. That is why Paul clearly says … first of all. glory and honor and power,

Some people will say, “We go to church for the preaching,” for you created all things, and
and that may be true, but the preaching is not the primary
purpose of the church. Worship and prayer are the primary by your will they were
purposes of the church. We remind ourselves each time we created and have their being.
worship that there is something greater than ourselves. Revelation 4:11

Psalm 95:6-7. Come, let us bow down in worship, let
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us kneel before the LORD our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his
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pasture, the flock under his care.
Hebrews 12:28. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let
us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

What does worship look like in your church?
It is warm and inviting? Does everything you do, make sense to you? Do you think it all
makes sense to new people?
 Why do we pray? We pray because we know that God hears our prayers and answers
our prayers. When we pray for people who have not yet put their faith in Jesus for their
salvation, we remind ourselves that – and even in our prayers we are participating in God’s
work of salvation.

The highest form of worship is the worship of unselfish Christian service.
The greatest form of praise is the sound of consecrated feet seeking out the lost
and helpless. Rev. Billy Graham

Mark 11:24. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have
received it, and it will be yours.
James 5:13. Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let
them sing songs of praise.

1 Peter 3:12. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to
their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Philippians 4:6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and
petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:2. Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Romans 12:12. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Prayer should always be an important part of every worship service.
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