1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (NKJV)
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
You want me to what? Pray without ceasing? How can I do that? I have to work. I have a lot on my plate. How can I pray without ceasing? I don’t really even know how to pray! What do I say? It is difficult for some people to pray let alone pray without ceasing. Are you one of those people?
Prayer is not that difficult. It is supposed to be a conversation with God. In Adam and Eve’s time, they were face to face with God in the garden so they were able to just talk. Why can’t it be the same now? It can! All God ever wanted was a relationship with His creation which is you. He does not need fancy words or even many words. “God help me” is a prayer. “Jesus” is a prayer. “Thank You Lord” is a prayer! It is not so difficult. I talk to myself; I answer myself and sometimes I find myself saying huh. But I have found a better conversation. I talk to the Lord instead. It is a much better conversation. I do most of the talking but that doesn’t surprise any of you who know me personally. And He does answer me. But God is a doer, not a talker. His answers come quietly but I know they are from Him. No one else could give me these miracles or the peace that goes with them. You should try it! You can do it all day.
Another thing you can do is listen to Christian radio. I listen to my local Christian radio station that plays praise and worship music all day long. I drive with my hand in the air in praise of my God. I admit that I do take some time during the day to work but I don’t let that interfere with my praise and prayer. After all, I try to do everything as if unto the Lord. The work I do is a form of worship. I employ the gifts and talents given me to the glory of the Giver.
So it is possible to pray and worship without ceasing. I didn’t think so either but I was wrong. Prayer comes in many forms. I sing many of my prayers. You can too. You will please the Holy Spirit and create joy and peace in yourself. It all sounds good to me. See if it works for you.
Help us to pray Lord. You promised that Your Holy Spirit would teach us how to pray and would give us the words we need to speak or even no words at all. We need you! With You, all things are possible. Even praying without ceasing becomes possible. Thanks be to God!