Paul said, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Those words have probably caused the concern of many well-intending believers. What did he mean? Surely he did not expect that anyone would, or could, be in a prayer posture 24/7!
May I suggest some possibilities?
My first thought on this is that prayer should become our habit. An important part of this prayer habit would be a daily routine of being alone with God and His Word, the Bible. God speaks to us primarily from His Word, so the beginning of your prayer time should be listening to Him as He speaks to us through His Word. You become pleased and surprised at how He will guide our prayer with His Word. Pray His Word back to Him in ways right to your concern now.
An example of praise and thanksgiving might be as follows.
From the Word: “And my God will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)
The prayer: “My Father, thank You for meeting all of my needs through Your riches in Christ Jesus. In Him I am rich in every way.”
Secondly, you are aware how attitude guides a person’s behavior. If a person’s attitude is generally negative, all of their day will have a negative bent of mind. The same is true of a person who is mostly positive in attitude.
Therefore, when one develops a habit of prayer, it is likely that an attitude of prayer will develop which follows that person far beyond the prayer closet into the rest of the day. A truth within the words, “Watch and pray”, will become clear as the attitude of prayer grows stronger in you. You will notice and listen for things, which require prayer. You will become observant as a detective is aware of his surroundings. You will be sensitive to the Spirit’s promptings as you go about your daily routines of work, study, or play. Your heart will be praying while your hands are working. You will become more interested in conversations with others; seeking to discover how they truly are. Your prayer attitude strengthens your concern for others. You will have a deeper, spiritual interest in the News of the day, local and far.
This attitude of prayer soon becomes your life; your passion, it consumes you and you love it. It drives you! Your life takes on a bigger meaning and purpose. You are in a constant state of open communication with God that is deepening your love and relationship with Him as well as your concern for the world and His Kingdom activities. The enemy of God fears a man with this kind of life.
This is when the person of prayer becomes the prayer. When the truth of the words “pray without ceasing” overtakes the person, he has a power within his presence that the demonic world fears, and a peace that calms most persons nearby.
Praying without ceasing defeats Satan and ushers in God’s will.
Beloved, take the challenge; obey the command; “Pray without Ceasing!”
