I Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing,”
To pray without ceasing implies that we should learn to be conscious of God being with us. Depending on our concept of God, this may be comforting, awkward, painful, and so on.
Depending on how we were raised and our parents, we may be comfortable, not comfortable or something inbetween. Some children were raised by parents that loved and adored them. That child gains an inner approval. He anticipates being accepted by others. He can sit with others and be ok.
Another child had critical parents. This one believes that he’s doing it wrong. He’s not ok with himself. Every mistake that’s made confirms what his parents told him. When he’s with others, he anticipates that they will disapprove in time. These tend to isolate, to avoid the shame they know will come.
The one with a good self image is more comfortable with an ever-present God. The one with a bad self image is uncomfortable with this. Both are sinners that need to be redeemed by God’s grace. Yet, one is more comfortable than the other.
As we mature in our faith, we learn of His love. The uncomfortable one learns to sit with a loving God. The Lord reworks that negative self concept. Passages like these help, Psalm 139:17,18 says, “How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! We’re I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.” It takes us much time for us to believe this. He does love us.
In time, we can grow comfortable with His presence. The miracle of His love changes us. We can enjoy praying without ceasing.
Lord, thank You for Your love. Help us to include You in all of our lives. Help us to pray without ceasing.