Pray without Ceasing

graphic courtesy of GospelGifs

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

-- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  NRSV

This scripture has been on my mind a lot lately.
 

Lisa Copen of Rest Ministries wrote a great devotional on exactly this same topic recently: How do you pray without ceasing if the laundry is waiting?  She articulates exactly what many people struggle with-- how can you take the time to pray when you have so many pressing responsibilities?

When I was a kid, I had a great CCD (catechism) teacher who explained it to us like this: "God doesn't care where or how you pray, just talk to him.  Talk to him at school while you're in line for the water fountain, while you're walking to class. "   I'm sure she didn't realize it at the time, but those words would be forever burned into my memory.   And more importantly, that's what I started doing.

From the time I was in junior high, I've always just "talked" to God throughout my day.   I see someone hurting or I feel stressed about something, and my auto-pilot response is to offer up a quick prayer-- "God be with her.  She's really struggling with ______."   or for myself, something along the lines of, "Please, God, help me find the right words (or what to do, etc.)."


There are the bigger issues, of course. I have a long prayer list these days, in addition to the many small daily concerns and struggles that I pray about:

• for continued healing of my sister, fighting brain cancer
• for continued healing and strength of a friend who was in a tragic farm accident
• for the marriages of two special couples-- friends who are struggling
• for a friend's mom who is in ICU
• for a friend who is under a huge amount of stress
• for my husband and children
• for myself, in regards to my job situation

I struggle a little more with the second part-- being thankful in all things.  But I also have a lot to be thankful for, from the little everyday blessings to the bigger things in life... and I'm trying to stay focused on those!

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