How to Pray Without Ceasing

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)

How can one pray without ceasing, as Paul instructs in First Thessalonians 5:17? Is it even practice to spend all my time in prayer? If I practiced the literal meaning of this verse, would I have time for my life goals, career development, family, friends and other important aspects of life?

Praying Incessantly

Does incessant prayer mean engaging in night vigils as many of my close friends do? If I spent all my time on my knees praying, would that be enough? Suppose I pray whenever and wherever I am, would that constitute continual prayer? Is God keen on the amount of time I spend praying?

These and other questions come to mind whenever people read Paul’s concluding remarks in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica. Even from casual observation, it is evident that Paul is not urging Christians to shelve all other duties and concentrate on prayer. The apostle is urging believers to adopt an attitude of prayer.

Persisting in Prayer

Praying without stopping also means having and observing regular prayer times. We need to set aside time at individual, family and group level to commune with God. No duty should be more sacred than to spend quality time with God. It is in prayer that we receive faith, power and courage to live righteous lives.

In addition, our hearts must be attuned to God always. Thus, we can offer a prayer anywhere, anytime. When we practice a life of joyfulness, gratitude, repentance and trust in God, we need not wait for our scheduled prayer times to call on God. We can bring our petitions to the heavenly throne of grace and mercy without a prior notice to God.

How to Pray Without Ceasing

To pray unceasingly also means to persist in prayer. It entails adopting Jacob’s attitude and refusing to let go until we receive our God-approved petitions. We are to adopt the attitude of the woman who pestered the unjust judge until her prayer was granted. Unceasing prayer is frequent prayer.

What is your most important or urgent prayer today? How long have you been asking God to meet that need? How much longer are you willing to continue praying and waiting? Have you given up, believing God has forgotten you? Heed Paul’s exhortation to pray without ceasing, for God will answer You in His perfect time.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, teach me how to pray without ceasing.