Our text today is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
These verses seem very clear, but there is that little phrase in the midst that has been debated. “Pray continually,” or as the King James says, “Pray with0ut ceasing.” What does that mean and how often is continually?
Some have told me this means that we must be praying all day long. I love pious folks who are trying to do the right and righteous thing, but my wife had a phase she often used that is applicable here. “Sometimes we make things harder than God ever meant them to be.”
So, what is the meaning of this phrase “Pray without ceasing”? Here is the short answer. It means to make a habit of praying often in your life. However, even that answer is subject to confusion because one might ask, “What is the meaning of ‘often?’”
For a better understanding on this, consider the life of Jesus. There are very few instances of his prayers which share the actual words of his prayer, but there is much in the Bible about his prayer life.
Notice, for example:
· He prayed often at regular times of withdrawal from the crowds. Luke records, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (5:16).
· He prayed after days of long work with helping people. Mark tells us
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” (1:35).
· And most of all, the last words of Jesus on the cross were words of prayer. In Luke 23:46 we read, “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.”
Jesus’ example to us is that we ought to pray often, every day!
Lonnie Davis