Praying without Ceasing

In 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 is says to “Pray without ceasing”. I remember the first time I heard a pastor preach on that verse. I thought, “How is that even possible? I have to sleep some time!” That was before I had children! They say “with age comes wisdom”, and although I can think of a few exceptions to that rule, I’d say that’s true for most of us. I think the first time I really began to realize that it was possible to “pray without ceasing” was when I had a child. It all started the day I knew I was expecting. That day I set in motion something in my soul that hasn’t stopped since, a sort of unconscious, constant prayer. I imagine it as a button that I finally pushed, and the gears starting spinning, and this amazing prayer machine groaned to life. It was constantly working, even when I slept. I even sometimes dreamed my prayers. I no longer felt like I had to find a quiet spot & assume a position of prayer in order for God to hear me. I came to realize that He is always with me, always listening, always there no matter where I am or what I’m doing. I talk to Him all day long, about everything. I think a lot of people avoid praying because they feel like they have to be alone, in a quiet place, with time to spare. That’s not true at all. There is no rule that says you must pray in a specific place and in a specific posture.  In the Bible people prayed on their knees, while bowing, on their faces before God, while sitting down and standing.  They prayed while crying, while rejoicing, while scared, even when they were sleepy.  You may pray with your eyes opened or closed, quietly or out loud, at any time and at any place.  You can talk to God every minute of every day. Once I realized that, my prayer life was never the same. He’s only a whisper, a thought away, any time, any place. That my friends, is how you “pray without ceasing”.

Matthew 26:41

"Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!"