How Can We Possibly Pray Without Ceasing?
Was St. Paul delusional when he wrote those words “Pray without ceasing?” (I Thessalonians 5:17). But, first came Jesus Who said to “always pray”. “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should ALWAYS pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1) Honestly, I’m doing good to have my morning prayer time without an interruption of some kind. So how can we follow Paul’s and Jesus’ admonition to “pray without ceasing” and “pray always”?
Does it mean that we need to sit around for hours at a time praying? I don’t think so. I’ve come to realize that it’s awareness, being intentional with our thoughts toward God on a regular basis and just talking to Him as we go. Prayer is a conversation with our Father and our Friend, and it comes from a place of relationship.
Even when I’m not saying words outloud in meditation, I am praying. God sees and knows my every thought so when I sing a love song to Him or I think about Him and His goodness to me, I am praying. I have daily, ongoing conversation with Him. I still have regular and more formal times to pray, but more often than not, I talk to God throughout the day. This idea of an ongoing conversation gives me the freedom to have a friendship and real relationship with God. I don’t even say “amen”. It is just an unending conversation all day long.
I remember hearing a minister say: “I don’t pray more than 15 minutes at a time. But I don’t let 15 minutes go by without praying.” In other words, our Lord, our closest and best Friend is with us 24/7. Like any relationship where we’re in company with each other, we don’t let very much time pass without talking about something. Actually, it’s uncomfortable to NOT talk. And I’ve come to realize, the most comfort I have is having a casual conversation with my Lord throughout my day.
My praying is as if I’m talking to a friend that’s sitting right next to me, such as:
** “Wow, God, you outdid yourself today. Just look at that beautiful sunset!”
** “God, this guy is really getting on my nerves. Please give me grace to be able to put up with him right now.”
** “She really hurt my feelings. I forgive her, but can you maybe show her that when she does that or says that, it can be hurtful.”
** “I’m really disappointed. Please heal my heart and mind.”
** “I’m so sorry, Lord. Please forgive me.”
** “Lord, I need your wisdom right now!”
** “Help me to have the right words to say.”
** “Thank you for… ” (I often offer random thanksgiving for things like a great parking place, my family, my home, my bed, my car, good smells, good food, warmth, comfort, provision, or any of my many, many blessings.)
When we pray without ceasing, we are acknowledging Him. “In ALL your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6). Relationships require time, effort, and communication. Just as we need to have regular communication with a friend or spouse in order for that relationship to thrive, we also need to have regular, ongoing communication with God. It’s also important to remember that communication is a two-way street. We need to take the time to stop and listen to God, too! We can’t always be the one doing all the talking
Having conversations with God, provides great benefits like with other relationships. We can get help and advice. However, we can also get some emotional release when we vent our emotions just as we would do with a friend. We see David do this all throughout the Psalms. In fact, the book of Psalms is full of his “talks” with God. Reading the Psalms can build our faith and confidence about how to communicate with God. Maybe it’s time to have a little talk with Jesus RIGHT NOW!