Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17; NIV).
The instruction to pray continually can seem impossibly demanding. We might be tempted to think that it can’t possibly apply to us. However, I believe that constant prayer is within reach for us all. Let’s have a look at what it involves:
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- To pray continually means living with Jesus, recognising and rejoicing in his presence within and around us at every moment.
- It means sharing every experience with him, no matter how joyful, humdrum, burdensome, or traumatic it may be.
- It means facing our suffering with Christ, accepting God’s will, and giving thanks for everything God sends, both good and bad.
- It means seeing Jesus in everyone, loving and serving him in them to the best of our ability.
- It means opening our bodies, minds, hearts and souls to him, hiding nothing, and always being completely honest.
In conclusion, to live like this is to pray continually – even if we rarely use words!
They think they will be heard for their many words (Matthew 6:7; RSV).
Your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! (Matthew 6:8; NLT).
References
Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us (Colossians 3:11; NLT).
Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16; NIV).
I create the light and make the darkness. I send good times and bad times. I, the LORD, am the one who does these things (Isaiah 45:7; NLT).
Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine (Luke 22:42; NLT).
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18; NIV).
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40; NIV).