Pray without ceasing


 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

"To pray without ceasing means to have our minds always on the things of God, to be in constant communication with him; so that every moment may be as fruitful as possible." *openbible.org

For many years I have felt convicted about what I refer to as my "ka-ka mouth", I swear a lot and I know it is not becoming and it certainly isn't glorifying to God. I've prayed many times about it and have made a conscious effort many times but it seems the old habit comes back as easily as breathing. In the last couple of weeks, I have tried a new approach, on the basis of "pray without ceasing." I pray often, numerous times throughout the day, nothing formal or elaborate, but just talking to a friend (what a friend we have in Jesus). I am finding that the more time I am spending in prayer, the swearing as well as conviction is becoming less and less. 

I often pray for others in their sicknesses, pain, financial struggles or just because they pop into my mind, after all God knows their needs. I mostly pray for my children, their spouses, girlfriend and their children. I especially pray for their salvation, faith, and for them to have a relationship with God. Although their daily needs are important, their eternity is the most important. I pray every day that Mike and I will continue to grow in our Christian walk. Nothing would make me happier than for my husband to be the spiritual head of our household. I wish more than anything we would read the word together and pray together as I know it would enhance our spiritual growth. I feel we've been stale for far too long. I know I am growing in my own faith, but I also do the work. My prayer right now is that Mike too will have the desire to do the work with me. I won't give up, to me praying is a privilege. How many times in life have we heard "if you need me, call me 24/7, whatever you need"? - The well intentions are heartfelt, but truly not realistic. Only God can truly be available 24/7, every minute of every day. God is always listening. He may not answer in the way or in the time frame that we want him to, for example, I realized years ago when I've prayed for somebody who was sick, to be healed and then they died, they weren't healed in the way I had envisioned, but truthfully, they were healed of their illness, their pain, their suffering, by God taking them "home". It helps to remind myself or quote "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding"-Proverbs 3:5

So although I find myself and my sinful nature too often impatient and falling short of his glory, I am a work in progress. I am a child of God.


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