“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians. 5:17
In this verse Paul encourages the Thessalonians’ believers to pray continually. Naturally, this does not mean to be in a state of prayer during every waking moment. Rather, we ought to be in a constantly “prayerful” state, and frequently speaking to God in actual, dedicated prayer.
Let us understand:
What is Prayer?
The most basic definition of Prayer is “Talking to God.” Prayer is not meditation or passive reflection; it is direct address to God.
Prayer is a powerful way to connect with God, to develop a relationship with Him, and to cast your cares upon Him. There are countless examples of Prayer throughout Scripture. It is apparent that prayer is significant to the faith of a believer. When we read about the life and ministry of Jesus in the Gospel accounts, we find that He prayed often and made this spiritual discipline in priority in His life. Jesus took time to get away and spend time with God. Prayer is incredibly important for every believer’s spiritual growth.
To pray is God’s will for us. But, as inspiring as that sounds, is it possible to pray without ceasing? What did Paul mean by such a statement? Pray without ceasing means to have a heart inclined to prayer, to pray often in all circumstances, and to make the discipline of prayer a high priority, just as Jesus did.
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us but brings us up to Him. Prayer can be one of the most effective and powerful activities we can do when we are in trouble, or we need healing for sickness or pain, or when we pray for someone else’s sickness or pain. We pray to ask for forgiveness, we pray to ask for guidance, for protection, and at times to help us achieve the things we need to do, and we pray to give thanks to the Lord. Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. In good times, we give thanks to Him with grateful hearts and ask Him to allow us not to become complacent; in bad times, we ask for strength and guidance; when we are in need, we ask for Him to provide; when God is providing, we give thanks to Him; when we are experiencing trials, we read scripture to understand His will and ask for the grace and wisdom to overcome them; and in times of peace, we use the opportunity to be at ease and grow closer to Him. I would recommend finding particular times in the day to pray. Daniel 6:10 says, “Daniel always prayed to God three times every day. Three times every day, he bowed down on his knees to pray and praise God.”
Psalm 55:17 also says, “Evening, morning and noon, I cry out in my distress, and the LORD hears my voice.”
If you feel alone and find yourself gasping for words, try turning to the Psalms. Let the words on the page reflect the cries of your heart. As Psalm 138:3 reminds us, when we pray, God answers, encourages and strengthen us. Psalms of repentance, mercy, praise can all be used to inspire our own prayers and conversations with God like David and the other psalmists had.
There is also a scripture that says when we don’t have the words to pray, the Spirit intercedes on our behalf.
Romans 8:26–28 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
So at all times, we are in prayer through God’s help, even if we don’t have the ability to literally bow down and pray 24/7. It’s more-so about remaining in a state of constantly keeping focused on God. And we can do that by reading scripture, applying His word. Keep your mind on things above, rather than things on earth because the seen (physical world) is temporary but the unseen (spiritual realm and God’s kingdom) is eternal.
We should never underestimate the Power of Prayer. Prayer is a very important part of our life having a relationship with God. Matthew 6:8 says for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.
How do you spend time with God?
Sit before God in silence, inviting Him to recalibrate your soul (see Psalm 46:10). Practice posturing. Allow your body to reflect your heart. Bow low in humility before God, get on your knees in prayer, or hold your hands out in acknowledgement that anything you receive comes from God.
How to hear God’s Voice?
You can hear God’s voice through prayer, scripture, dreams, and other ways. The key is to have a willing heart to listen and obey.
How do we have a close relationship with God?
By praying reading the Bible, spending time with other Christians, sharing the gospel with unbelievers and giving of your time and money. You can actively incline your heart to God. Even if you feel far from God, you can rest assured that He will never leave or forsake you.
What Does Pray Without Ceasing Mean for You?
- You are sharing more of your thoughts with God.
- God is sharing more of His thoughts with you.
- You ask God for direction throughout the day.
- God is guiding you throughout your day.
Conclusion:
Praying without ceasing will cause you to move into the perfect will of God. The perfect will of God is where you will find complete prosperity for your spirit, soul, and body. It is worth the effort to have a lifestyle of praying without ceasing.
So we are asked to pray without ceasing, which means pray about everything on a daily basis.
