I Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing,”
This is another item in the list inwhich Paul encourages the believers to have as part of their lifestyle. This passage is easily misunderstood. It’s not referring to focused prayer. Those are times in which we are sitting (or kneeling) and are praying with eyes shut. The Lord gave Adam & Eve the huge task of keeping the Garden. They couldn’t do that while in focused prayer.
To pray without ceasing can be done due to God’s nature. He is everywhere and always accessible. We don’t need to go to our prayer spot at home or to a church. We can pray where ever we are. We might be at work, running errands, with friends, any place. We can pray where ever we sense a need or want to check in with God.
To pray without ceasing refers to our relationship with God. He wants to be in touch with us. Not as a point in time conversation. He is always there and wants to be spoken to.
What do we say to the Lord? We can give thanks, if we are enjoying something. We can ask question, if unsure. When we are down, we can release our sadness. We may sense a need, we can ask for help. If we are with others, we pick up on many things. We should check in with the Lord. It may a need, discomfort, joy and so on. We should stay in touch with Him.
We should pray without ceasing to seek His guidance. We should announce to Him our intent and invite Him to alter those plans. For example, “Lord, I’m going to mow the lawn. I give You my morning. Bless it, keep me from injury. Please join me in the task and interrupt me in any way for Your glory.” Some may think I’m being over spiritual. Isn’t this too trivial a task to bother God with? I don’t think so. If we are to pray without ceasing, we need to include Him in everything.
Lord, thank You that You want us to be in constant communication with us. Help us to do so.