Pray Without Ceasing
How often do we pray and thank God? Continually? In all circumstances? Are we busy with more important things? Thirty or forty minutes in the morning and maybe another ten before we retire in the evening? When we are stuck in traffic or waiting for test results from our recent visit to our doctors?
pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NIV
pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 NASB2020
How about when we get to work on time? Or manage to get time together with our families? Or washing our car? When we get our bills paid? When we are delayed just the right amount of time to run into an old friend struggling with some life issue? When it seems we don’t have any real friends? When it rains? When it doesn’t? When our grown children realize their lifelong dreams? When they don’t?
Does “all circumstances” mean “ALL” circumstances?
This instruction to “pray continually” (or ceaselessly) is part of the closing remarks in the apostle Paul’s first endeavor to further the Gospel in an epistle (letter). After describing the notoriety coming out of Thessaloniki as “God’s trumpet”, he instructs these freshly converted pagans to remain above the noise and culture of this bustling metropolis. In later epistles, we know Paul admonished the churches in Galatia and Corinth. When addressing the Thessalonians, he encourages them in the face of adversity and advises them to give thanks (in ALL circumstances.) How hard is it to heed his advice?
Jesus said, “…everyone who asks receives…” (Matthew 7:8). Yet we say, “But…, but….” God answers prayer in the best way— not just sometimes, but every time. However, the evidence of the answer in the area we want it may not always immediately follow. Do we expect God to answer prayer?
Oswald Chambers My Utmost For His Highest, May 26
If we realize and acknowledge that God answers (ALL) prayer, we must also be thankful even when the outcome doesn’t resemble our expectations. God has a plan for us and He is not obligated to elevate our desired outcome above “His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12.2b) Thankfully He does promise to hear and answer “all” prayers made in The Son’s name. (John 14:13-14)
Jesus, thank you for this promise. Help us to pray ceaselessly in ALL circumstances so that our faith might grow into your faith. Amen.
Post Information
 Post Date |  Author |  Comments | Originally Penned |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 14, 2023 | frankie | 0 Comments | May 26, 2023 |