What's "Pray Without Ceasing" Mean?
Ok we are a few weeks into 2017. We are practicing the WILL OF GOD for our lives. How’s your Joy meter? Last week we practiced just being with Jesus in His work all day long. “Re-Joying”, or “being filled over and over again...daily with Joy” is a byproduct of living aware of the presence of God.
Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Pray continually” or “Pray without ceasing”
I remember hearing how the Greeks would use “without ceasing” in relation to a continuous cough. It’s the repetition, the state of, the constant posture of conversation.
“Our default mental state should be: "O God . . ." John Piper
When do you find yourself praying or aligning yourself with the WILL OF GOD? The obvious answer seems to be in the middle of struggles of any kind, or maybe when something really great happens we say “God you’re so good”.
This invitation from Jesus is a constant state of body, mind and soul. It’s a practice of continuing the conversation with God in a posture of surrender and humble praise no matter what. Start with being filled over and over with Joy because of an understanding of God’s powerful nearness. Then with that lifestyle, we get to surrender our every breath, thought, worry, praise, fear, struggle, and success to the God who cares for us.
So this week, we are going to practice a constant state of “O God…”. What do you need to put into place to keep your body, mind and soul aligned with this practice? Remember, these practices don’t earn anything from God, but in the end we will start looking like Him more and live in step with the WILL of God!
Try it with me this week. I will write my “X” on my wrist multiple times a day remembering to walk in step with God through unceasing prayer. Let’s do this!