1-10-16 Foundation: Gospel Prayer that destroys Cynicism
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2 Gospel Prayer -Based on God’s Character and Actions (1:1) -Belief in God’s Word (1:1; 2:13) -Thankful (1:2; 5:18) -Always (1:2; 5:16-17) -Everyone (1:2) Cynicism is our Greatest Threat to Gospel Prayer -Cynicism = doubt, skepticism, “it doesn’t really matter” -Cynicism comes from: misunderstanding of the Gospel, unmet expectations, rationalism, positivity -Cynicism steals child-like faith and leads to sarcasm, bitterness, withdrawal Application -Pray God's Word -Don’t separate prayer from action/from the rest of your life -Pray with others, especially those in other life stages -Make prayer the beginning and end of everything you do -Pray for Eternity (Relationship between Prayer and Cynicism is addressed in Paul Miller, “A Praying Life”)