When I need a spiritual reality check I go to 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks;for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Here are three key elements to a relationship with God: rejoicing, giving thanks, and praying. Are we rejoicing always regardless of circumstances? Are we finding something to be thankful for in the good times and bad? Are we praying without ceasing?
We have already learned that rejoicing and giving thanks can be part of our prayer life, but what does it mean to pray without ceasing? Does it mean to be constantly talking? I don’t think so. If we are continuously chattering away we don’t have time to listen to God. So there must be a deeper meaning here.
One meaning of “pray without ceasing” is to never, never, never abandon prayer. We may be discouraged, going through trials, grief stricken, heartbroken, tired, weary, and so on, but we don’t stop praying. That is not an option.
I am a big believer in spending private time with God every day – studying the Bible, meditating on scriptures, and praying. There are times when our hearts ache and we might kneel and pray in a secluded place. Perhaps we stroll in a park and pray. Perhaps we sit in a garden and think about God’s word. So no matter what’s going on in our lives, a little one-on-one time with God is going to help. Jesus told us we should always pray and not lose heart. (Luke 18:1)
However I think another aspect of “pray without ceasing” refers to God walking beside us throughout the day, like our best friend. We have access to God all day long. What a privilege! We can dialog with him day in, day out. Our daily experiences become opportunities to share our lives with him. As we totally surrender our lives to God we can look beyond circumstances and set our minds on what God would have us think about. (Colossians 3:2)
Short, little talks with God throughout the day will help us build a relationship with God and keep a spiritual perspective. For example…
When we wake up we can say, “Good morning Lord. What do we have going on today?”
We can thank him for the taste of that cup of coffee we enjoy so much because it helps us start our day.
When we hear an ambulance siren in the distance, we can say a quick prayer for where the vehicle is headed and the people who need help.
When we read a passage of scripture or our daily devotional we can ask God how we can apply it today.
On the way to work we can discuss that problem we are having with a co-worker and ask God to give us patience so we don’t say something we shouldn’t.
When we pass a car accident, we can pray for the people involved.
As we drive perhaps thoughts of certain loved ones pop into our heads and we can ask God to protect, encourage or comfort them depending on what’s currently happening in their lives.
When we are held up in a traffic jam we can ask God to help us realize there are so many worse things that could be happening to us.
When a friend calls talking about some trouble she is having with her teenager we can ask God to give us the wisdom to say something helpful.
When a difficult situation comes up at work we can ask God to help us be part of the solution, not the problem.
On the way home we can tell God how much we appreciate that beautiful sunset because we know he is the creator.
As we fall into bed at night, tired from a busy day we can tell God three things we are thankful for.
The list is endless. I’m not saying we need to be praying every waking moment, but if we took the time to only pray or dialog with God about all the things mentioned above, it would take less than a minute or two. However, the benefits are immeasurable. Letting God walk with us and be a part of our daily lives enhances our relationship with him and keeps our mind focused on spiritual things.
Here’s a poem about prayer using the acronym ASAP. It usually means “as soon as possible” but here it means “always say a prayer.” All in all, that’s some pretty good advice.
Always Say a Prayer (ASAP)
There’s work to do, deadlines to meet.
You’ve got no time to spare.
But as you hurry and scurry –
Always say a prayer (ASAP)!
In the midst of family chaos,
Quality time is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest –
And always say a prayer (ASAP)!
It may seem like your worries
Are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather –
And always say a prayer (ASAP)!
God knows how stressful life is.
He wants to ease our cares.
And He’ll respond to all your needs –
If you always say a prayer (ASAP)!
