Pray Without Ceasing....

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I Thessalonians 5: 17-18 pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (NASB)

Paul doesn’t let up does he.  The first part of today’s verse packs a real punch.  Oftentimes I have overheard other pastors and teachers field questions about this part of the verse.  It isn’t a continual verbal prayer, nor is it a prayer that makes us pull over on the shoulder of the road to stop and fall prostrate on the ground beside the car, nor is it closing your eyes at a stoplight for extended periods of time…say three changes of the light because I must admit it is distracting listening to the traffic pile up behind you and the hearing the array of horn honking that results while you…..bow in prayer.  But then again doesn’t everyone know what we are doing and respect our callout to a heavenly Father.  They really shouldn’t be honking like that.  I’ve actually heard these conversations!  In all reality, the action of “pray without ceasing”, is a continual attitude of prayer that can sometimes last for hours at a time.  You see, God knows our hearts when we call to Him, and He listens.  He is always concerned about us and He doesn’t want us to put our lives in danger in order to offer up prayers in His name.  Yes we can pray without ceasing.  It’s in the silent attitude of prayer.  Is this the only way to pray without ceasing?  OH NO!  I have known people to pray verbally for an entire day without ceasing.  God’s call in our lives is awesome.  Next Paul instructs us as to how to pray.  He says ”in everything give thanks”.  So first we “Rejoice always”, then we “pray without ceasing” followed by “give thanks”.  Then Paul adds a powerful ending by qualifying what he has instructed us to do….. “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”.  Paul added nothing more to this.  As Paul continually refreshes our hearts and minds in his letters throughout the New Testament, we find strength in what he says to be true.  His instructions to us draw us closer to a holy Christ.

Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, Guide me into an attitude of prayer daily that I may find peace in sharing with You the things that burden my heart as well as the praises I need to offer throughout the day.  Help me to listen for what You have to say to me as You speak to me through the Holy Spirit.  May I always be attentive to Your call for me to come to You in prayer.   In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN!

May God richly bless us as we continue to seek His will and His way, through His Word.

Have a GREAT Day!!

In Christ,

Rev. Ted J. Wilkins
Founder and Director of “Good News Brief For Men” Ministries (Since 1998)
© 2013 Ted J. Wilkins “GNBFM Ministries”

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