1 Thessalonians 5:17

NASB                  pray without ceasing,

NLT                       Never stop praying.

VOICE                pray constantly, and

How to Pray Without Ceasing

Prayer is one of the ways we stay in relationship with God. Within the context of 1 Thessalonians, Paul is sharing how important prayer is to keep a close relationship with God. The Thessalonian church was facing persecution and challenges, and prayer would have gifted them strength and guidance during this time. Prayer was viewed as an act of faith and dependence on God.

Paul encouraged the Thessalonian church to pray without ceasing. Paul wants them to keep a continual, persistent attitude of prayer. It doesn’t mean that we pray all 1,440 minutes of the day, but it’s that we maintain a constant awareness of God’s presence and are ready to communicate with God throughout our day. The early church was identified by their devotion to praying, and this call would have encouraged the Thessalonian church to stay persistent and faithful to pray despite what’s going on around them.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What is your prayer life like? Are you ready to communicate with God when needed?

Pray Always

Let’s talk more about the “unceasing” mindset of pray. The Greek word Paul uses here is adialeiptós (ah-dee-ah-LIPE-tos). It describes a pattern that you would set that is so frequent and steady that nothing could break that pattern. It’s a rhythm that is super consistent. Paul encourages frequent, brief prayers throughout the day. Paul’s prayers are formed through the gospel, gratitude and trust. The core of these prayers is based out of thanksgiving and gratitude. Paul shows that the healthiest prayer life is built off thanks and not just requests.

There are five practices that can be helpful that align with what Paul is describing here:

• Breath Prayers: short prayer that are based out of scripture that are breathed throughout the day.
• Prayer Lists and Reminders: keep a digital list or written journal to remember the names and needs that need to be prayed over.
• Corporate Prayer: these are prayer s that you’d hear during your church service; these you’d recite yourself as well – a way to attach yourself to the greater body of Christ.
• Mission Outlook: channel your prayers towards sharing the good news of Christ, reaching out to others, and helping when possible.
• Perseverance in Trials: stay dedicated to prayer when life deals blow after blow. Stay grounded in God’s word.

These are easier said than done. My prayer life has fluctuated greatly through my years of being a Christian. There are certain ways that keep me grounded that Paul describes. The breath prayers have been my go-to as of late. I am a control freak and want to hold on and manipulate as much as possible around me, so I am prepared for every possible outcome. This is my anxiety disorder speaking out. When I feel this acting up, depending on the circumstances, my breath prayer is: “God your will be done. Your justice be served.” (Okay, it’s two breaths, but you get the point.) It’s a reminder to me that God is in control of all the circumstances around me and I can only control myself. When I release the external pressures of control, God helps me release what I cannot control so I can act faithfully where I can. Another method I use is the missional outlook. That’s where these Bible study and devotional blogs have come into play back during the pandemic. I used these blogs to help me understand my own feelings and emotions about what was going on, but to also share the news of the Gospel and help people that felt locked at home that they were not alone. More recently, I wanted to bring aware to situations that exist in our world that and how we can work to include a Gospel message into what we say and do about them. This was the foundation of my “Serving Up Justice” series. To connect biblical stories to situation that currently exist in our world and how we can start being the hands and feet of Christ to those in need. These are just two examples of the five mentioned.

Let me know what prayer practice help you stay grounded and which practice aligns to what you do.

PRAY Action

Hi God! Thank you for the gift of prayer. The communication path that exists between me and you is something I cherish every day, even if I forget to use it. God, I want to be better about communication with you. Help me to remember that you are always present. Help to lean more on your strength and wisdom instead of my own. Your ways are greater than my own, and I need to lean on you more than myself. It’s in your name, we pray. Amen.

Next slice of manna: Overcoming Anxiety Through Prayer and Gratitude || Philippians 4:6 || Manna for the Mind #356