Pray Always
“Never stop praying.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)
In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he urges them to, “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.“ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
These commands seem extreme. How can we be expected to always be joyful, thankful, and praying? Can we attain such commands or only strive for them?
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.“ (Romans 12:12 ESV)
Does Paul mean that praying always is more that an ongoing conversation with God, or does he mean that we need to readjust our attitude towards prayer? We know the more we pray (and depend on God for everything by putting it all in His hands), the better off we’ll be.
“One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.“ (Luke 18:1 NLT)
We know that we’re not to “worry about anything“, and to “pray about everything.“ That we’re to “tell God what [we] need“, and “thank him for all he has done.“ (Philippians 4:6-7 NLT)
“Of course there will be times when we shall deliberately bow our knees to the Father; but there will be many more when we shall have access to him in a swift-winged thought, a tear hastily brushed away, a yearning, an outpouring, a loving, restful glance of mutual understanding. Strange that we make so little of these wonderful opportunities of access to the Father!“ F. B. Meyer
We certainly need to be “in the moment“ and pay attention to whatever we’re doing, but a prayer can be uttered in an instant when necessary. It can be a few simple words that rise from our hearts and we send off to the Lord.
“Those who keep away from Jesus do not pray. Those in whom communion with Christ is suspended feel as if they could not pray; but Jesus says, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask.” Prayer comes spontaneously from those who abide in Jesus, even as certain oriental trees, without pressure, shed their fragrant gums. Prayer is the natural outgushing of a soul in communion with Jesus.“ Charles Spurgeon
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.“ (Ephesians 6:18 NLT)
Always be ready to pray. Look for reasons to pray. Pray anywhere at anytime. Speak a word to the Lord. Trust in Him to lead you. He knows your heart and your purpose.
“We need not be cast down and distressed by the fear of not knowing what to say. The Spirit will give us words if we seek his aid. The prayers of the Lord’s people are the inspiration of the Lord’s Spirit, the work of the Holy Ghost who dwells within them as the Spirit of grace and supplication.“ J.C. Ryle