PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

Today we'll focus on a verse that consists of only three words, yet it can have a profound impact on those who dig deeper into its meaning ... 

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

This may be hard to understand from a physical point of view. When prayer is seen as a head-bowed, eyes-closed, verbalization of one's supplication, thanksgiving, and adoration toward God ... it seems obvious that doing this 'nonstop' isn't realistic. 

But Paul is not referring to uninterrupted 'talking', but rather ... an uninterrupted 'attitude'. It constitutes a continual awareness of God's presence and an unconditional surrender to His Lordship. 

Every waking moment is to be lived with the belief that God is actively involved and thoroughly engaged in your every thought and action. Then ... when you set time aside to approach the throne of grace with a more traditional prayer, the air is alive with comforting and warm familiarity. 

When worry, fear, discouragement, or anger trouble your mind, being in the 'attitude' of prayer allows you to consciously and quickly acknowledge the Lord's loving oversight and speak to Him with confidence ... 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Unceasing prayer is, in essence, continual dependence upon and communion with the Father. Persistent and incessant, it is an essential part of Christian living and flows out of humility and dependence upon God.

Tony Evans - You don’t have to be on your knees moving your lips to pray. Prayer can be the atmosphere in which you exist. You can bring the Lord to bear on every aspect of your day by communing with Him in your spirit. 

Don't allow your insecurities, unconfessed sin, or a false impression of God's character to keep you from abiding in His presence. Moment by moment rely on the Lord's loving attention to every detail of your life. You are His prized possession, pilgrim.