I don’t know about you, but Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “without ceasing” (KJV) sounds about as unreasonable as his previous instruction in verse 16 to “Rejoice always”.
How can we possibly “pray without ceasing”? It’s just not practical. After all, we’ve got to make a living, eat, sleep, and generally just live, so how can we be expected to pray all the time? Besides, at my age, my knees can’t take that much kneeling!
Yet Paul’s instruction is clear. We are to “pray continually.” (NIV). Even Jesus told His disciples “that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1 NIV.
The problem is we have too narrow a view of prayer. We think of it as a hurried entreaty in the morning for protection or a sleepy whisper at night as we crash into bed. We limit it to times of crisis or moments of pure joy, when, in fact, it should be a continual feast, a constant back and forth conversation between two dear friends all through the day and into the night.
You see, prayer is not just something to be done in church or when you need God to grant you a wish. It is more than kneeling by your bed or folding your hands for the blessing on a meal. Prayer is about relationship.
Prayer is spending time with the love of your life, the center of your heart, your Best Friend. It is walking with Jesus, talking with Jesus, clinging to His every word, finding joy in just being together as you go about your day.
Ellen White, in her beautiful little book Steps to Christ, describes prayer as “the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.” (p. 93). Later she says, “Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.” (p. 98).
In Ministry of Healing, p. 511, Ellen White advises us to, “Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer.”
“Praying continually” isn’t complicated. You don’t have to get down on your knees or hide in the closet. Just open your “heart to God as a friend.” Talk with Him as you drive your car, do your work, go about your daily routine. Make it a habit to, “in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.’ Philippians 4:7 NIV.
This week, give it a try. Make your “every breath a prayer”. “Pray without ceasing.” Open your “heart to God as a friend.” Just enjoy being with Him, talking with Him throughout your day, and may “the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,…guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:8 NIV. Amen!