"Prayer is a practice to cultivate. To pray constantly means prayer is recurrent, something we keep doing incessantly and frequently, a perpetual pattern, not constantly occurring but consistently recurring. If we read through 1 Thessalonians, by the time we get to this verse, we'll have noticed several prior references to the habit. Paul began the book saying, 'We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers.' In chapter 2 he said, 'We constantly thank God, because...you received the message.' He added in chapter 3, 'We pray earnestly night and day to see you face to face.' Paul wasn't literally on his knees around the clock, but his prayers were frequent and recurrent." - Robert J. Morgan from 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart.
Do you see a difference in saying, "Pray constantly" and "Never stop praying"? While they really say the same thing, they carry with them a different picture, don't they? I think the latter is what is meant to be conveyed to us....we are to never give up on praying, we are to never abandon praying, we are never to disregard the tremendous gift that has been given to us....access to our Father through the gift of prayer.
I would say this verse can be viewed as an encouragement..."pray constantly"...reminding us to pray throughout our day, bringing before God each moment of trouble as well as each moment of thanksgiving. And I think this verse can be viewed as a directive..."never stop praying"...an instruction for our spiritual well-being, keeping our relationship with God alive and strong.
" 'Rejoice evermore: pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks.' Borne up between the never-ceasing joy and never-ceasing praise, never-ceasing prayer is the manifestation of the power of the eternal life." Andrew Murray
Do you see a difference in saying, "Pray constantly" and "Never stop praying"? While they really say the same thing, they carry with them a different picture, don't they? I think the latter is what is meant to be conveyed to us....we are to never give up on praying, we are to never abandon praying, we are never to disregard the tremendous gift that has been given to us....access to our Father through the gift of prayer.
I would say this verse can be viewed as an encouragement..."pray constantly"...reminding us to pray throughout our day, bringing before God each moment of trouble as well as each moment of thanksgiving. And I think this verse can be viewed as a directive..."never stop praying"...an instruction for our spiritual well-being, keeping our relationship with God alive and strong.
" 'Rejoice evermore: pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks.' Borne up between the never-ceasing joy and never-ceasing praise, never-ceasing prayer is the manifestation of the power of the eternal life." Andrew Murray
1 comment:
Prayer time, or time with Christ is different from praying constantly to me. I like the quiet morning time to sit and read God's Word and meditate and let Him into my body and soul. Praying constantly is the awareness of God's constant presence and we can speak to Him at any time and in any place. Constant prayer is constant realization that God sees and hears all things. I have been working, consciously developing my daily devotional time. I have been cultivating prayer into my life. I have seen a change in me as I acknowledge God in all things in me. He brings me joy.
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