Paul said, “Pray without ceasing.”
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. God speaks to us primarily from His Word, so the beginning of this prayer time ought to be listening to Him as He speaks to us in His Word. You will be pleased and surprised at how He guides your praying as He speaks through the Word. Pray that Word back to Him in ways that fit your concerns at the time.
Secondly, you are aware how attitudes guide a person’s behavior. If a person’s attitude is generally negative, all of their days 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 need 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-reaching.
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, Satan, fears a man with this kind of life. Do not ‘do’ prayer, ‘be’ prayer!
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 opens the door for God’s will in the earth, where you are directing prayer. “Thy will be done.”
Beloved, take the challenge; obey the command; “pray without ceasing!”
