Unceasing Prayer

Unceasing Prayer

. . . pray without ceasing. . .

I Thessalonians 5:17

In Luke 18, Christ gave two accounts to the purpose that ‘men ought always to pray and not to faint.’  Paul, writing under Divine inspiration, reiterates the same teaching in our text for today.

When should we pray?  Consider when notable saints of the past have prayed.  Moses prayed when the people murmured.  Gideon prayed to have assurance of the will of God.   Hannah prayed for a child.  Samuel prayed when Israel’s enemies invaded.  Solomon prayed at the dedication of the temple.  Elijah prayed when the land was in sin; at the contest on Carmel; and for the rain to fall.  Christ, Our Great Example in prayer, prayed at His baptism; before calling His disciples; after the feeding of the 5,000; before walking on the water; at His transfiguration; at His farewell; before His arrest; and on the cross.  Certainly, we have ample reason, and numerous opportunities to ‘pray without ceasing.’

How may we acquire the habit of ‘praying without ceasing?’ The greatest example of One Who prayed without ceasing, is Christ Himself.  As we read the Gospels and behold the life of Christ we observe someone who seemed to breathe the very air of heaven in a constant attitude of prayer.  How often do we find Christ ‘answering’ His Father, when there was no audible conversation in the passage.  The life and ministry of Christ seems to be utterly bathed in prayer.  At every turn we find Him communing with His Heavenly Father.  While it is true that we, the poor vessels of clay that we are, will certainly not attain this high level of communion which Christ exemplifies, as our Head, He is keenly interested in conforming us to Himself.  We can certainly appeal to Him for help in acquiring the habit, as the Holy Spirit enables us to pray.  As the Lord grants us grace to pray, so let us avail ourselves of every opportunity.  Christ is able to give us the desire to pray, great purpose in prayer, and mighty answers to prayer.  Each answer will further fuel our desire to, ‘pray without ceasing.’

Heavenly Father,

Our hearts long to commune with You.

Help us to recognize Your unfailing presence,

turn our gaze continually towards You,

teach us to pray without ceasing.

Where the Bush is Burning

Tomm Tice