Pray Without Ceasing

[<2 min read]

Image - Albrecht Dürer's Praying Hands from Wikipedia

        What does Paul mean, "pray without ceasing" in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB? At first, I found this a difficult concept to wrap my head around. I thought that if I was in constant prayer, I wouldn't have time to read a book, watch television or go to the movies. But upon further reflection and study, I'm not sure that's what Paul meant.

        Until recently, the concept of prayer had been very rudimentary, and often, one-sided. I would say simple prayers like "God is great. God is good…" or I would present Him with a laundry list of my wants, needs, and problems - "God bless mommy and daddy and brother Johnny. And I guess, bless Ms. Johnson, my teacher, even though she is mean to me. God bless my dog and my cat and my…". And while these are valid prayers, are they what God wants to hear from me?

        Several years ago, shortly after the Boston Marathon bombing and the chemical plant explosion in West, Texas, I was asked to deliver a sermon. For that message, I used a passage from 1 Kings 19:11-13 GNT. In the passage, the prophet Elijah has approached God's mountain seeking refuge from his enemies. But before Elijah can meet with God, there is a wind storm followed by an earthquake followed by a fire. But the passage tells us God wasn't in any of these, but in the "soft whisper of a voice" that came after. For me, this passage was key to my prayer life. I was always taking my storms, earthquakes, and fires to God, and I never sat still long enough to hear his soft whisper.

        For me now, prayer is more about listening rather than talking. It's not easy for me to be still and listen because I'd rather talk it out and walk off than stay quiet and listen. But, I can, with a bit of focus, keep myself quiet throughout the day and listen to God. I have found Him in some of the most unusual places: in the car on my commute to work, in the cafeteria during lunchtime, and even while shopping at the grocery store.

        I challenge you if you find your prayer life lacking, to be still and listen for Him. Even if it's only for a few moments.

Don't stop praying.
 ~~Ken

Part 1 of this series: Knowing God's Will
Part 2 of this series: Rejoice Always
Part 4 of this series: In Everything Give Thanks