Good afternoon,
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (KJV) - Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
This morning I prayed to increase my prayer life and that others increase theirs. I thought about whether our prayer lives have become more reactive than proactive. Have we stopped praying in the good times and only pray in the bad? If we prayed as hard as we do in good times as we do in the bad, how powerful would that be? What joy would that bring to our Father above- each of us constantly talking to him and strengthening our relationship with him?
The word cease is defined as, "cause to come to an end especially gradually: no longer continue." Today's verse reminds us to pray without ceasing. This is a clear instruction to never stop praying. Additionally, verse 18 reminds us that as we pray continuously we must give thanks for everything: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. To me, this means no matter what the situation, good or bad, pray continuously and give thanks for everything. God has a plan. We must never stop praying.
Next time someone asks you to pray for something on their behalf, will you be able to say "it's already done?" If I forget how to pray, I go back to Mathew 6:5-15, which includes the Lord's Prayer and gives specific instructions on how to pray. I also visit Psalm 86, A prayer of David, which helps reminds me how to fully and openly pray to God. I encourage you today to pray without ceasing, in the good times and in the bad.
Dear God,
Thank you for your clear instructions to never cease my prayers, to be thankful for all I have and endure as I know you remain in control. I pray that all your children heed your instructions to pray without ceasing. To be thankful for all things and to trust that you are in control and your will is best for us all. I ask this in your son Jesus' name. Amen!