PAUSE AND PRAY

"Pray without ceasing" I Thessalonians 5:17

This short verse appears amongst the seven short commands the Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the church at Thessalonica. Although brief, it carries great meaning.

"Without ceasing" literally means "uninterrupted". It carries the idea of continuing without an intermission and without omission. This is descriptive of our personal prayer time with the Lord but it should also reflect our attitude throughout the day. Is it possible to pray "without ceasing"? Surely I cannot pray without while driving or taking a test at school.

As we go through the day, we are often reminded of people who have needs_pause and pray for them. Missionaries will sometimes be brought into our mind_pause and pray for them. A friend may call or text and ask for prayer or help_pause and pray. As you can see, praying "without ceasing" throughout the day does not mean ceasing everything to pray. Rather, it is going through our day with an attitude of prayer; prayer for those who come to mind and communing with God in our minds.

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit..." Ephesians 6:18a