“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
This verse in Thessalonians intrigued me for years. I had a picture of myself something like a monk who seldom got off of his knees, except to eat, sleep or take care of bodily functions. There was no way that I could do that as a busy wife, mother and minister who had a house to take care of, friends to help, hobbies to enjoy and children to rear.
When I learned that Jesus was my life, always in me, wanting to live through me, I understood this verse for the first time. Prayer became like breathing to me: I found myself talking to Jesus anytime, anywhere—as I enjoyed seeing something beautiful, praising Him in that beauty; when things weren’t going well in the moment, asking Him about it; when someone was in need, asking Him to meet those needs. That’s what it means to pray without ceasing.
There is no separation of spiritual life and secular life
Similar to what we saw in the last devotion, we do not have to sit down in a spot with our Bible and notebook in order to pray. It’s fabulous when we can, but not necessary in order to connect with the God of the Universe who is our Father, Brother, Comforter, Healer, Provider, Lover, and everything else we need. He is Immanuel—God with us!
Look for the upcoming book, Living Lessons on Intimacy With Christ, due out this summer. (Now published-here)
Application:
Do you remember to talk to Jesus off and on during your day? Do your best to have a special time, but purpose to form a habit of talking to Him all the time. Ask a friend or loved one to remind you to practice “praying without ceasing.”
Other blogs from Living Lessons:
This is awesome! Might add a “Prayer” category to the blog & put this one under it. Also, do a plug for the book (I would do this after you say “what we saw in the last devotion” — something like “look for the upcoming book, Living Lessons on Intimacy With Christ, due out this summer”). Love you, Deb