Pray without ceasing. That seems like an impossible task, doesn’t it? While it is often said that Paul only meant that we should maintain a constant attitude of prayer, he undoubtedly also meant that we should pray much more than we already do.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Pray all the time.
We should pray 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 only mumble hurried, frantic prayers.
The practice of continuous prayer can transform our prayer life in 4 important ways.
- It helps us develop an attitude of gratitude and constant joy.
- It shifts our focus from ourselves to God and the needs of the world.
- It helps us recognize the good that God brings about in every circumstance.
- We begin to recognize all the prayer prompts God places in our days.
Seeing all things as prompts to prayer
Continual prayer is just an ongoing conversation with God. It’s opening your heart and soul to God, and listening to Him. It’s the 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
First, eliminate the irritant. (Not the children!) If they’re young, show them how to clean up and make it a game. Older children who repeatedly neglect this chore may need disciplinary action. For our kids, this often meant going without an item or video games for a week.
Instead of getting angry or taking it out on the kids, pray. Thank God that you have a family to clean up after. Intercede for those who wish they had someone in their lives, such as childless couples, recent empty nesters, and any lonely people you know. Reach out to them if you can.
2. When people are rude
Do you hate grocery shopping? (I do, and I dislike all shopping, really.) It’s so exhausting: the choices, the impatient crowds, and the cashiers who are either super slow or lightning 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 might be having a hard time and has no one to turn to. What about the woman who won’t stop talking? Maybe she has no one to talk to. Pray that the Lord will send someone their way.
While you’re at it, thank the Lord that you’re able to buy food and that you have a place to eat it. Pray for those who go without or live in extreme poverty. At the same time, buy a few extra items to give to a needy person that you know.
3. When others ignore our wishes
Whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker ,we all know how frustrating it can be when someone doesn’t respect our wishes.
That’s a time to pray. First, correct any mistakes they may have made, and show them grace. Remember that you make mistakes too and that you’re not always right. 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. You won’t always be surrounded by pleasant people or circumstances either.
Accepting this helps us to keep things in perspective. It keeps us from making a big deal out of everything. Most importantly, it reminds us that people are more important than things.
Our children are more important than a clean house. Being kind is more important than running quick errands. 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 may overlook everyday opportunities for prayer and personal growth. We miss the nudges the Holy Spirit gives us. Instead of turning difficulties into conversations with God, we grumble, complain, and even lash out at others.
Having daily quiet time with God is essential to abiding in Christ. Without it we run the risk of withering away. At best, we manage to stay alive, but never bear fruit.
However, maintaining an ongoing conversation with God is also an important aspect of abiding in Christ. By taking all things to Him in prayer, life’s trials, frustrations, and annoyances can become moments of thanksgiving, grace, and personal growth.
So remember to talk everything over with your heavenly Father. He’s waiting for your next thought – He never left the conversation in the first place!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
📷 Photo credits: woman with cup; praying woman