Pray Without Ceasing
Pray without ceasing. I Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
This verse is only three words, but it seems to be a tall order. Is it possible to pray without ceasing? Can we really do it? Is it reasonable or realistic of God to tell us to do it? Of course we can’t do this in our own strength without God’s help. But, whatever God tells us to do, He empowers us to carry it out.
Praying without ceasing is an attitude, a posture, an awareness of continual two-way communication. It means talking and listening to God throughout our day, keeping our hearts and minds fixed on Him. It is being sensitive to His voice, His leading, and His presence. It means to remain in constant communion. fellowship, and awareness of Jesus. It refers to practicing His presence. While we are doing other things, we can think about God, listen to Him and talk to Him.As we keep the lines of communications open at all times, we know that God is with us.
Jesus always sought to be with His Father to hear Him, see Him, and just fellowship in His presence. We should follow Jesus’ example.
Prayer is more than talking. It is also listening to what God is saying. But it is even more than that. It includes spending time in the presence of the Lord, practicing the presence of God at all times. When we do this, we have confidence that God is with us no matter what we face. When we know this, all we have to do is call on Jesus and He will answer. He may whisper to your heart or He may answer with a mighty display of His power. Prayer makes us more aware of the abiding nearness of God. He is there to love, to strengthen, to protect, to provide. As we pray without ceasing, or maintain an open avenue of communication with God, we will see God and know God more and more.
Praying without ceasing draws us closer to God, experiencing God on a heart-to-heart and face-to-face basis. It makes Him a reality in our daily lives. As we breathe out our prayers, we will breathe in His presence. You might even say that praying without ceasing can become as natural as breathing.
