"Pray continually."
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Someone once said that you do not become a master of anything by doing a thousand things once. You become a master by doing one thing a thousand times. I believe this is the heart of the Apostle Paul. He wanted the early Christians to master the art of prayer. You will never have an effective prayer life by praying occasionally. The attitude expressed in this command teaches us to pray often and effectively. The heart of the New Testament, nestled within Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, lies in a verse of mystical simplicity and depth: "Pray continually."
This call to action, brief as it may seem, encapsulates an elementary spiritual principle that has resonated through the ages, offering guidance, comfort, and encouragement to believers across generations. This instruction from Paul is not to be seen as an act of bondage. Some may say, "It is only possible for me to pray a few days a week, as I have duties and responsibilities to perform." No, my friend, the Apostle is not suggesting that we avoid our responsibilities in the name of prayer. He is encouraging us to have an attitude of prayer.
The message is clear: We should pray when we feel our minds wandering and leaning toward fleshly responses. When we feel the pressures of life overwhelming us, we should pray. Paul is teaching us about our attitude more than the physical act of prayer. Praying without ceasing means considering the Lord in your daily life and referring to Him often.
"Pray continually" is an act of spiritual discipline, urging believers to maintain an intimate relationship with God. This call to ceaseless prayer transcends mere religious ritual; it invites us into a way of life where communion with the Lord dominates our lifestyle. It speaks of a prayer life that is not confined to specific times or places but is as natural and essential as the air we breathe: a constant connection with our Creator.
In the broader narrative of Scripture, prayer is depicted as the lifeline of the faithful, a means of grace through which we align our hearts with God, seek His will, and draw upon His strength and wisdom. To pray continually is to live in a state of spiritual readiness, openness to God's presence, and responsiveness to His leading. It is to walk through life with the awareness that we are never alone and that the Almighty is with us in every circumstance, ready to listen, guide, and comfort.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr., Pastor
*Excerpt from "The Power of Prayer" by Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr.
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