“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Oswald Chambers said “The Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God himself.” Prayer is relational communication with God. To “pray without ceasing” means to commune with God as often as possible throughout your daily life.
Prayer is different from studying scripture, or reading a devotional. Prayer is direct communication with God.
I say my first prayer of the day before I get out of bed. Almost every time I pray, I begin with “Thank you Lord for making me, saving me, and guiding me.” For this first brief prayer in the morning I then ask God to guide my words, actions and thoughts throughout the day. If there is something significant happening that day, I may ask for the Lord’s blessing on that endeavor. I always ask that people be able to see Jesus’ influence in my life during that day.
Most mornings I go to my quiet place and literally get on my knees and pray. The humble posture of praying on my knees reminds me that I am subject to God. Praying on your knees is a physical reminder of the appropriate reverence we should show our Creator.
[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 5:16–18
I pray as often as I remember during the day. I wish I remembered more often, but I am a very limited creature, and I struggle to rejoice, pray, and give thanks as often as I should. But I do remember several times per day. A brief prayer before a difficult conversation, or before hitting send on an email is a regular occurrence.
I also try to rejoice in prayer throughout the day for particular people that God has placed in my life, or certain blessings that I experience.
My wife and I end every day in prayer together. This is a sort of three way conversation between her, me, and God. I lead the prayer, and she brings up people or circumstances we need to pray for as we go. Praying together has been a staple of our marriage for many years.
Praying is not a natural human tendency. The more you pray, the more you will want to pray, but you will not always want to pray. Commit to praying at a specific time each day to begin with, on your knees if you can. The rewards are incalculable.