Pray without ceasing. What an impossible task that seems! And while it is often said that Paul only meant that we should maintain a constant attitude of prayer, I think he also meant that we should pray much more than we do.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Pray all the time.
In every circumstance. For the big things and in every little thing. But we get caught up in the busyness of life and all its little irritations. Some days we struggle to keep our heads above water. We forget to pray, or we mumble hurried, frantic prayer blurbs.
The practice of continuous prayer can change all this by transforming our prayer life in 5 important ways.
- It helps us develop an attitude of gratitude and constant rejoicing.
- It shifts our focus from ourselves to God and our needy world.
- It helps us see the good that God brings about in every circumstance.
- And we begin to recognize all the prayer prompts God places in our days.
Seeing all things as prayer prompts
Continual prayer is just an ongoing conversation with God. It’s listening to God, opening your heart and soul to Him, and listening to Him some more. It’s a practice of bringing God into every moment and situation of our lives. Let’s consider 3 practical ways we might do this.
1.When the kids don’t pick up their stuff
Start by eliminating the irritant. (The irritant, not the children!) If they’re young, show them how to clean up, perhaps making it a game. Older children may need some disciplinary action. For our kids, this often meant going without that item or video games for a week.
Instead of getting angry or taking it out on them, pray. Thank God that you have a family to clean up after. Intercede for those who wish they had someone in their lives: childless couples, new empty nesters, and people you know who are lonely. And reach out to them if you can.
2. When people are rude
Do you hate grocery shopping? (I do, and all shopping, really.) It’s so exhausting: the choices, the impatient crowds, and the slow (or super fast) cashiers!
Instead of getting upset, have you ever considered praying for the cashier? Maybe she’s not feeling well. Or for the grumpy man behind you? He may have troubles and has no one to turn to. Or for the woman who wouldn’t stop talking? Maybe she has no one to talk to. Pray that the Lord will send someone their way.
And while you’re at it, thank the Lord that you have money to buy food and a home in which to eat it. Pray for those who go without or live in extreme poverty. At the same time, put a few extra things in the shopping cart for a needy person you know.
3. When others ignore our wishes
Whether it’s a family member, friend, or co-worker – we all know how frustrating it can be when someone doesn’t respect our wishes.
That’s a time to pray. First, correct anything they may have messed up, and extend grace to them. Remember that you make mistakes too; you’re not always right. And realize that you won’t always get to have things your way.
Your wishes won’t always be respected. You won’t always be heard. Your house won’t always be spotless. And you won’t always be surrounded by pleasant people or circumstances.
Accepting this helps us to keep things in perspective. It keeps us from making everything a big deal. And most importantly, it reminds us that people are more important than things.
Our children are more precious than a clean house. Showing kindness is more important than a quick shopping trip. And the thoughts and wishes of others are just as valuable as our own.
So many opportunities
When we’re busy defending our rights or demanding our way, we’re likely to overlook everyday opportunities for prayer and personal growth. We miss the nudges the Holy Spirit gives us. And instead of turning difficulties into converstions with God, we grumble, complain, and even lash out at others.
Daily quiet time with God is a vital aspect of abiding in Christ. Without it we run the risk of withering on the vine. Or, at best, we just keep time on a treadmill, never going deeper and higher with Him.
But an ongoing conversation with God is an important aspect too. By bringing everything before Him in prayer, life’s trials, frictions, and annoyances can become moments of thanksgiving, grace, and personal growth.
So remember to talk everything over with your heavenly Father. He’s just waiting for your next thought – He never left the conversation in the first place!
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
📷 Photo credits: woman with cup; praying woman
Signora Sheila 