In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul practiced prayer because he understood the place and power of prayer in a believer’s life.  Being joyful, prayerful and thankful was his recipe for success.  We too can pray for our Spiritual eyes to be enlightened so we can increase our understanding of all that we have in Christ.  Receive an understanding of what is to know God, His calling, His riches and power because eternal life is about knowing God and Jesus intimately.