“Pray without ceasing.” -1 Thessalonians 5:17
Repetition helps to build habits. I can think of no better habit to have than prayer. The healthy habit of prayer connects us to God, offers our lives a foundational discipline, and helps us find the joy and peace we desire. Prayer is a gift and should be practiced faithfully and frequently.
The Apostle Paul understood the importance of prayer. Paul would write to the young church in Thessalonica. Many of the people in this church were converts to the faith from paganism. The practice of Christianity was utterly new. Paul writes to offer them encouragement and instruction in the faith. The end of this letter contains a brief list of necessary practices that Paul believes are essential to the faith. Within this list is the brief imperative to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
Paul knows we have other obligations in our daily lives. Our daily schedules keep us in constant motion. To constantly pray seems impossible, but Paul also knows that our day must be grounded in prayer. We must be connected to the One who gives us purpose. We must be reminded of the grace of God that goes before us. When we pray, all the noise, all the business, all the worry, all the frantic hustling ceases. As we pause before the living God, we are reminded that we are loved by our Heavenly Father. He has created us and, in grace, will supply us with all we need to live life to the fullest.
Prayer is a good habit to develop. As much and as often as possible, we should pray. The Apostle Paul not only taught that we should pray continually, but he also demonstrated his continual habit of prayer in all his letters. Over and over, Paul would write about prayer. He would write prayers for the churches. Paul’s life and work were no doubt strengthened by his ongoing prayer life.
There are many ways to pray, but it would seem the Lord’s Prayer is a good place to start. This prayer, taught by Jesus, is short but so significant. A good way to develop the habit of prayer is to start each morning by saying the Lord’s prayer. Say it before you get out of bed. Say it after you start your car but before you put it into drive. It only takes a few seconds to recite the prayer, but it is a practice that will bring blessings to your life.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
