Pray Without Ceasing

Scriptures:  I Thessalonians 5:17 NKJ) - Pray without ceasing.

Most of us look forward to annual vacations or some sort of get-a-way from laboring routines in the world. Usually, here, time is not a stressing factor in the event of things. However, as Christians, there is never a time when we put away or become lackadaisical concerning things pertaining to seeking the Lord in prayer. Our daily walk and way of life should be prayer centered no matter where we find ourselves...  Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith should never be taken lightly in our walk of faith. Our day should begin and end with prayer.  Jesus taught the disciples, men ought to always pray (Luke 18:1). A short sentence prayer throughout our day avails much. Pray like Nehemiah did when he stood before the king in a sad mood. He had to answer the king and seek the God of heaven at the same time as to what he should say. (Nehemiah 2:4)

We walk by faith.  We never know what we are going to face from day to day. We do know from scripture that God hears our prayer. There could very well be situations that warrant disappointment or devastation. Christians are not automatically exempted from terrible things. It rains on the just and the unjust. The just shall live by faith (Rom 1:17). It’s all in His hand. God is in control of this universe and all that dwells on the face of the earth.  God knows every form of sickness, disease and even malignant growths, and all that would befall us, long before such is revealed to us. Nothing surprises the Lord. (Jam.5:15)… the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up (Jam. 5:15). We are to rejoice in hope and patience, continuing steadfastly in prayer -- being faithful to whatever service that’s laid before us. However long, be faithful to the end.  His Word says that He has a plan for us, and it is for good and not for evil.  He prepares us for such dark and difficult times in our faith walk by living an obedient life unto the living God. He knows the path I take.  His word says: Be still, and know that I am God (Ps. 46:10); The God of Jacob is our refuge (Ps. 46:11).  Christians need not to fret, but to trust the Lord (Prov. 3:5, 6); (Ps. 37:3).  He says, My grace is sufficient.

Trust in the Lord.  Give to steadfastness in reading the Word of God (hearing from God), praying without ceasing, (talking to God), engaging in intercessory praying, fellowshipping with the saints, attending to the needs of others, (hunger, sick, bereavement, or life’s struggle) as well as other ministries.  When you get devastating medical news and the prognosis is tied up with waiting, and waiting, don’t curl up on your bed, but keep going on in prayer and praises -- making your petition known unto the Lord. Take your burdens to the Lord. Continue fervent in the spirit, serving the Lord.
 
Fellow saints; make an accretive effort to spend time in a place of prayer daily as well as throughout the 24 hours you have been given.  Make prayer a regular practice. Pray without ceasing.  Throughout the day, month or the rest of this year; resolve to pray more.  
Prayer: Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations, before the mountains were brought forth, You are God.  I am so in awe how You bring us through tough situations and provide that strength we need when we are weak. You have given us a safe place to land in time of need. Lord, Your compassion is immeasurable. Increase my prayer life as You sustain me on this journey of faith. Thanksgiving and praises to the Holy Spirit and Jesus the Christ. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Novella D Carpenter)