Weekly Message
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
The Bible often gives mandates that leave no room for alternatives. This verse is one of them. It is clear and concise. Perhaps it may take some interpretive application, but few will say that they don't get its meaning. We are to pray without ceasing. The question may arise, how do you pray without ceasing? Let's look at some things that we can do, and trust God for the rest.
1. PRAYER DOES NOT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE ALOUD. We can pray at an activity while around other people and they never know that we are praying. Our prayer is to God, and it is not necessary that others be involved. When it is not appropriate for us to speak aloud for any reason, we can pray silently.
2. PRAYER DOES NOT REQUIRE A PARTICULAR POSTURE. Most of us were taught as children to get on our knees at bedtime to pray. That posture is certainly appropriate, however circumstances may necessitate otherwise. We can pray lying down. After all some people are physically unable to get on their knees. We can pray while sitting. We can pray while walking. Of course we need to be conscious of our circumstances so that we don't walk into something.
.
3. PRAYERS CAN BE OFFERED IN DIFFERENT PLACES. We can pray at home; at church; at work; in the car; etc. Even at places that say you are not to pray aloud, you can still pray. Just pray silently. God will hear you.
4. PRAYER SHOULD BE A PART OF YOUR REGULAR ROUTINE. Although it should be a part of your daily routine, it should not be considered routine. It is special. Make time every day to pray. We make time when we want to do other things. We can make time to pray.
5. PRAYER REQUIRES FIGHTING THROUGH HINDRANCES. Satan is never happy when God's people pray. We will have to make it a point to pray even when obstacles are in our way. If being busy will keep us from praying, Satan will make sure that we keep busy. If frustration will keep us from praying, Satan will make sure that we are frustrated. Remember that we are in a spiritual warfare. A good soldier will fight through the hindrances.
6. PRAYER AND LAZINESS DO NOT GO TOGETHER. Have you ever said, "I am too tired to pray right now, I will do it tomorrow?" Praying without ceasing means you will pray no matter how tired you are. You will stay tired (and never pray) if you allow that excuse to hinder you.
7. WHY PRAY? Prayer is a method of worship. God is worthy of our worship. Prayer solicits blessings. We all want to be blessed. Prayer helps us resist temptation. We gain strength from prayer. Prayer for others yields benefits for others and for us. We pray because God commands us to pray. Prayer puts God to work! Prayer changes both things and people. I can and will go on praying. LET US ALL PRAY WITHOUT CEASING!
