What does it mean to pray without ceasing? Find out the meaning of this statement.
The children of Israel were caught between the army of Pharaoh and the Red Sea. They couldn’t control their situation. They began to worry and doubt, rather than pray because they were afraid of certain death.
Moses, God’s voice to the children, spoke words to us when we are confronted with life’s challenges.
Moses told the people to not be afraid. Keep your feet on the ground and you will see the Lord’s salvation for you today. You will never see the Egyptians you see today again. You will be protected by the Lord, and you can rest assured Exodus 14-14 (NIV).
Like Moses, we should place our eternal hope in God, not ourselves.
This is why 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray continuously” or “pray never ceasing”. What does it mean, to pray continually? These are some ways to get started on the spiritual discipline that requires us to pray without ceasing.
1. When we pray without ceasing, we look first to God for clarity, not ourselves or others,
Our perspective changes when we look to God in all things. The question is not how can I solve my problems, but how will God show His might in my situation?
This perspective requires us to set a goal to make prayer our first choice in times of difficulty. It must be above friends, spouses, and books.
Next time you are faced with a difficult situation, consider whether your first instinct is to pray to God, or if you prefer to dwell on it or talk to friends about it.
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2. We create habits that encourage us to pray continuously throughout the day.
We are invited to have a continual dialogue with God as believers in Jesus Christ. This conversation does not have to be held on our knees. It can happen anywhere: in the bathroom, at the kitchen sink for the umpteenth time, while waiting in line for the carpool, during an argument, or walking in the park. Scripture tells us that “the Spirit intercedes for us through Wordless Groans” in Romans 8.26. (NIV). The Bible reminds us in PSALM 139:2 that He is able to see our thoughts and will not allow us to dwell on them.
We pray when we are successful. We pray when we are given a terminal diagnosis. We pray in the face of all adversity. We pray as we wait for God. We pray when we are tired. We also pray in times of despair.
This is not something we can do every day. This takes discipline and effort. We must schedule times where we can pray. This could be something you do before you even get up in the morning, while you are driving, washing dishes or before you go to bed. You can start small and then build up to a bigger habit of daily prayers.
It is amazing that the more we pray, the more joy we feel from our Father. This makes us want to pray more.
3. We have confidence that God is always with us and listens to our unceasing prayers
Because God is always present, we can speak to him anywhere and anytime. Matthew 28 : 20 (NIV), Jesus encourages us by telling His disciples that “lo,I am with you always, even until the end of the Age.” Galatians 2:10 states that God lives in us. Let’s start a new story today if you are like me and have tried to solve all your problems. You can choose to give up the responsibility of solving your problems for the privilege and honor of incessant prayer with the Heavenly Father.
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4. We give up the belief that we control our lives and pray for His will to be done
I am a problem solver and self-reliant person. While I am fully aware of Proverbs 3:5-6, and its urging to trust God, I tend to gravitate towards my own understanding. I believe it is better to lean on limited knowledge than to rely on infinite wisdom. This is my futile attempt to maintain some control.
However, life is a reminder to me that I have no control over anything. Despite having an endless to-do list and a Google calendar that I keep track of, as well as spending countless hours thinking up solutions, I’m not able to control the unpredictable events of life. This is my design.
God desires us to be humble and recognize our limitations in order to allow him to meet our needs. God wants us to be his children and make our requests known ( Philippians 4:16). This honors God’s power, glory, and allows him to rule over our lives and accomplish his purposes for us.
Bible Verses on Praying Without Ceasing or Praying Continually
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:18
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. – Romans 12:12
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. – Hebrews 13:15
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6
Call me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. – Jeremiah 33:3
Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. – 1 Chronicles 16:11
Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, – Luke 18:1
