Pray Without Ceasing

  

What's your prayer life like? Is it like, “well, I say amen just loudly as the person next to me when my overseer prays in church on Sunday,” or do you say the same prayer over and over again because that's what you were taught to do? The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians (1 Th 14-18), “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Pray without ceasing? What does that even mean? I'm not a monk or a nun. I don't have time to pray. I can't pray at work; people will think I'm nuts. I'll pray when I really need help. Besides, God said He knows what I want and need. Sound familiar? Is prayer important? Is it necessary? YES! It is an integral part of our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. First, it is the conversation we hold with our loving Lord. God loves to hear from us regularly. The Bible says, ”Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb 4:16). Other verses to check out: Hebrews 5:7, 1Timothy 1:2-3. Secondly, prayer is part of your worship to God. In Romans, it is addressed as part of our bodily sacrifice as our reasonable service to God. In the book of Revelation, it says, “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne (Rev 8:3).

Now that we know prayer is important. So, how do I pray? Simple, just talk. Talk to Jesus. Your words aren't important; thankfulness and acknowledgement of God are. You wake up in the morning, “Be with me today, Lord.” Get a promotion at work, “Thank you, Lord.” You sit down for a meal (especially in a restaurant), “Thank you, Lord, for this meal.” There's a whole bunch more on prayer, more than I can get into here. It heals, it strengthens, it helps others. Investigate the power of prayer for yourself. The Bible says in Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  Your prayers acknowledge that Jesus is part of your life. As you do this regularly, you will find that your gratitude for Jesus will grow. Soon it will be second nature. Now you are praying without ceasing. Until next time.

Walk in the guidance of the Lord.

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