PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Compiled & edited by Belinda Jo Adams

Several Years ago, I interviewed 23 people, asking them what "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17) means to them. I came up with interesting responses. Since then, I have revised the article and had it edited. I have now decided to put it online with other items I have there, hoping it will bless hearts. BJA

Pray without ceasing means to be ready to pray at a moment's notice, whatever the situation even if it is only a short request or praise. In all things we do, whether big or small, we talk to God. It is a vigilant or constant attitude of prayer, ever mindful of God's presence. We need fellowship with The Lord to pray. This relationship is so close that we turn to Him first in praise, thankfulness, trouble or forgiveness to let our request be made known.

Pray without ceasing means talking to God throughout the day as if we could see and touch Him wherever we go. He is always there ready to listen. Everything is important to Him. Nothing is too small or too big to take to Him. If we only talk to God about select things, we limit His work in our lives.

Things happen that we do not understand. Problems tend to make us stressful. Instead of worrying about problems over and over in our minds for possible solutions, turn thoughts into prayers to God who understands our concerns. When we are frustrated with people, we can train ourselves to ask for God's help and draw upon Him for strength. There may not be time for pretty phrases- just instant communication- riend to friend.

Pray without ceasing is fellowship with The Father who is interested in and wants to be a part of every aspect of our lives. He wants us to consider His will in every decision and to know He is always available to give advice. Without God, we can do nothing. He wants to be active in our lives from the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep and even be part of our dreams at night. Even when we do not feel like praying, pray knowing that He is with us. It is simply being in God's presence moment by moment. If we continually have Him on our mind, thoughts of the world will not pull us down. We can stay lifted up in the glory of God, never giving Satan any place in our thoughts to stop us from praising our Creator and Savior.

Pray without ceasing is knowing we can pray any place. We are prone to think of prayer as the time that we are down on our knees in our place of prayer or at the altar in a church service. Obviously, we cannot always be at those places, or to go about with folded hands and closed eyes.

We need special times of prayer-daily closet times when we go into a private place alone with God. Starting a day with planned prayer is good, however, several one line prayers throughout the day help us survive in our hurried world. Unplanned times seem to make a big difference. If we do this, God will ever be in our minds, both physically and spiritually. We are happiest when we include God in day to day activities.

In our minds we can lift petitions to the Lord quietly, no matter where we are or what we are doing. While we work at home or at a job and someone comes to mind, pray for that person. If the news reports someone's troubles, or we see an emergency vehicle pass, pray for those involved. When we see a name on a street sign, word on a billboard or an item (maybe a gift) that reminds us of someone, mention that name in prayer. If we are truly praying like we ought, there will always be someone or something that needs prayer. This is prayer that is free, simple, and rewarding.

We have no good excuse not to be in a season of prayer twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week ... unless, we forget about God and have sin in our lives. Make sure your relationship with The Lord God is right. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:9) No need for a ritual or a certain place. God forgives the moment we ask.

Pray without ceasing is sitting silently before God and waiting for Him. "Be still, and know that I am God…" (Psalms 46:10) We need to be a vessel that the Holy Spirit can pray through as we know not what to pray for and the Spirit prays for us. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God." (Romans 8:26-27) We need to be focused in prayer with God and not let our thoughts wander from Him. Journaling is a good way to focus. When our minds wander during prayer, we can ask the Holy Spirit to help us pray for the objects of those wondering thoughts!

To help us pray without ceasing look at the verse preceding I Thess. 5:17. It tells us to rejoice always. If we rejoice about all things then we will be in the right attitude to pray and have our prayers answered. The verse after I Thess. 5:17 speaks about giving thanks in everything and the following verse says not to quench the Spirit. These four verses help us survive in today's challenging world. When we stay in touch with God, He gives joy. The way to keep that communication line open is to be thankful in all circumstances.

God's principles contrast with human nature. When things go wrong our natural inclination is to blame someone or ask "Why me?" Instead, God asks us to give thanks, and allow the fruit of the Spirit to show forth in our lives. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..." (Galatians 5:22-23)

Pray without ceasing is also never giving up on God answering a prayer request. He will answer! His answer may not always be our answer. Sometimes the answer is 'no' when we want it to be 'yes' but, His way is perfect. Pray without ceasing. Why? God hears without ceasing- God answers without ceasing-God cares without ceasing.

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[My thanks to Anton & Yannick; Tom & Dannette; Noel & Sharon; Kristie; Janice & JR; Tony; Keith & Marla; Martha; Rachael; Miguel & Lois; Jane; Kimberly; Laura & Christopher; Michelle; Millie; Linda; Pam; Patsy; Billie; Paul & Betty and Troy for their response to my question that helped produce this article. I left off last names for their privacy.]

Bible verses from the KJV

Belinda Jo Adams 2009