1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing.”
Paul was an example of living with kingdom priorities and being a man of continual prayer to the Lord. Prayer is having a conversation with God more than merely bowing one’s head and folding one’s hands. The parallel verse of 1 Thessalonians 5:17 is Luke 18:1; when Jesus was teaching the disciples, He said, “that they ought always to pray and not lose heart (because of the delay in the Lord’s return).” Then in Ephesians 6:18-20, Paul exhorts, “Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador, in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” Adverse circumstances did not delay Paul in fulfilling his God-given purpose, that of spreading the gospel. That gave Paul joy, courage, and endurance in Christian character. He pressed on to finish the work God had given him to do with strong determination. So must we.
When we pray continually, persistently, we are in continuous fellowship with God and in His presence. Is praying the Scriptures a new concept to you? I discovered, several years ago, while going through a trial, of Psalms 119:92, “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” My prayer then became, “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.” God answered that prayer eventually. After the “ending” finally came, that is when I wrote and had published “Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial.” It is God’s and my story of the powerful Scripture words He gave me in the battle against various fears I experienced over a two years’ time period. I wanted my prayer from Psalm 119:92 to become other’s prayer too after reading and going through this Bible study on fighting the stronghold of fear.
Praying God’s Word gives God the honor and glory, rather than solely focusing on the problem. Prayer engages God’s protective shield over us. How do you find out God’s will? Pray without ceasing is the answer according to 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (plus giving thanks in everything and rejoicing, verses 16-18). Praying God’s Word results in an effective prayer life. That is what gives us wisdom, guidance, insight, and comfort as God speaks to us through His Word.
I noticed this week, Psalms 119:126, “It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken.” Very timely, wouldn’t you agree to pray those words while reading or listening to the news?
I have a special gift box on our mantel in our living room. The gift tag says: To: Linda and Steve. From: God. I keep written down answers to prayers with dates on cards inside this box. I just added one last week. This particular prayer request God did not answer the way I had asked. However, He responded by teaching me lessons on risk-taking, trust, and questioning the credibility of people during decision making, due to a backlash of a consequence. But God did specifically answer my specific request to receive words of affirmation, despite this unfortunate situation. It was at that moment, that my heart was filled with immediate joy and peace again. This box is filled with blessings of praise in glorifying God, in His provisions for me and my husband. That is the true purpose of prayer and for my special box with the gold ribbon on top, in our living room, to review often of God’s past blessings and that He will do so again.
My prayer today is from Psalm 119:125, “I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.”
Listen to Matthew West, Carly Pearce – Truth Be Told (Official Video) 3/5/2021.