Praying Without Ceasing

Scripture:  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 -  Rejoice evermore. 17 Pray without ceasing.  18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

There is so much going on all around us, and there are so many distractions from keeping our eyes stayed on the Lord -- and us doing what pleases the Lord.  There is a great falling away concerning people understanding the importance/relevance of the Word of God (the Bible), and the importance of applying what the Bible says.  It is imperative that we pray without ceasing.  When I first invited Jesus Christ into my life, the phrase "pray without ceasing" was confusing to me, and I struggled with it.  There are so many things that we can pray about throughout our day:  our personal walk with the Lord, our biological and church family, friends, those we have conflicts with, our neighborhoods, communities, those we witness to, our nation, leaders, our finances, and our daily decisions that we have to make.  

I am learning that praying without ceasing is all about:

• Shifting your thought process and turning every day moments into prayer;
• Talking to the Lord as you go through your day;
• Incorporating prayer as you carry out your daily chores, projects, duties, responsibilities, tasks, planning and organizing things, and decisions you make about your lifestyle;
• Singing a song of praise/worship as you go through your day (James 5;13).  As you sing to God, offer it as a prayer (Psalms 90:14);
• Talking/praying to the Lord - asking for guidance/direction and listening for Him to speak to you through His word throughout your day/life.  
• Having a close connectedness and/or fellowship with the Lord;
• Confessing your sins to the Lord as we pray;
• Listening to hear God speak through His word throughout the day (Matthew 6:7); and Resting in His presence.

Several scriptures which encourage and/or helps us to see the importance of  praying without ceasing are:
I Samuel 12:23 - Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11 Give us this day our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Matthew 26:40-41 - And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. John 17

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  Please help us to pray without ceasing.  Thank You Lord Jesus for speaking to my heart through your word.  Help me to do whatever you lead me to do.  I want to be in Your perfect will.  Amen.

Marsha Williams