Pray

14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5: 14-18 ESV.

These five have a lot packed in them, but I could avoid including more than versus 17. In fact, the whole Chapter is worth reading. This talks about how a Christian lives their life. I am interested in us examining our lives. Do we “Pray without ceasing?

In the notes for the Study Bible, it says the following: “We cannot verbally pray at all times, but it is possible to be in the spirit of prayer and ready to pray. The Lord’s Prayer has also been prescribed so that we should see and consider the distress that should drive and compel us to pray without ceasing” Large Catechism III line 24.

We can’t. It is impossible! But because of the Holy Spirit that dwells within us, we have been promised that nothing is impossible with God. We also have been promised that the Spirit prays for us when we are not able. I was once asked by a person who had a terminal disease, “I am having trouble praying.” I reminded her of God’s great love and mercy and of God’s promise to her. We then had a prayer.

I ask the question again, “So do you pray without ceasing?” I asked a few people of strong faith. They told me they do, and not only when they are in trouble. Sometimes their prayer of thanksgiving or praise. I think prayer was common because of COVID 19 among those who proclaim the one and only true God; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

I’m reminded of an outside wall in Denver, CO which read, “Why pray when you can worry,” We should “18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This goes back to TRUST from Last week. It is what God has done for us, because Jesus died on the cross, taking upon himself all of our sins. Thanks be to God for His gracious gift of eternal life and salvation!

Pray without ceasing as you walk with God this week.