Pray without Ceasing

As the world has been drawn into a season of isolation and uncertainty my heart has been drawn to the power of prayer; the strength we draw from it and the faith it builds in us. It is our direct connection to the throne of Heaven. It is an avenue to grow in knowing who He is and an open door to hearing God’s voice. Simply put, prayer is communing with God. To be successful when praying, there are some rules we must follow. They are…

1. Ask in Faith and “believe” He will provide. God commands us to ask, therefore, you are not outside of the will and plan of God by asking. We are to ask, seek, and find. God will do the rest. (Matthew 7:7-8)

Psalmist wrote: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Therefore, treasure the Word of Christ; do not cherish iniquity. Pray the Word of God. (John 15:7) (Psalm 66:18)

2. Do not apologize but come boldly in prayer.We who are mature believers have free choice over large areas of our lives. We have the power to bind and loose on the earth. (Matthew 18:18)

3. Forgive as God forgives you. “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25) Apply these rules of prayer today. “Teach them to your children so they will have victory in every area of their lives.” (Deuteronomy 11:19)

4. Do not pray “to be heard of men” but be sincere in your prayer time alone with God. Remember, God is full of grace and mercy. (Matthew 6:5)

5. Pray in the name of Jesus. Since we are in Christ, one with Him, when we pray in the name of Jesus, we honor Jesus and his Father, Jehovah God. We recognize Jesus’ unique role as Intercessor between God and men. (Philippians 2:9-11) (Hebrews 7:25)

6. Pray and Cherish the Word of God. Jesus reminds us...”If...my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” The Psalmist wrote: “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Therefore, treasure the Word of Christ; do not cherish iniquity. Pray the Word of God. (John 15:7) (Psalm 66:18)

7. Do not Doubt. Jesus warns why many times we may not be heard: “He who doubts...should not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.” (James 1:7) (James 4:3)

8. Believe you received when you pray. This is done by faith as a believer. Live life like you have what you have prayed for. (Mark 11:23)

Apply these rules of prayer today. “Teach them to your children so they will have victory in every area of their lives.” (Deuteronomy 11:19)

Recently, I came across an article that gave practical ways to pray without ceasing, which God asked us to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. The article, sums up just how prayer can be a part of our lives all day every day.

Begin with gratitude.

Start by telling God what you’re thankful for. Prayer doesn’t have to be asking for something; it can simply be thanking Him from your heart for what He has already done.

Pray while you wait.

Turn your car into a prayer closet. Transform that “wasted” time into something meaningful—pray for the people you expect to encounter that day or the tasks you need to accomplish. Give thanks for your day, for your job, and for the people you love. Count your blessings—because they’re everywhere—and make those minutes count.

Sing a song of praise.

Think of prayer being like a radio playing in the background all the times. Make that literal by listening to worship music and as you sing along, offer it to God as your prayer.

Give up worrying.

We are not meant to worry, and we waste too many minutes doing just that. Next time something weighs heavy on your heart, envision yourself extending it up to God and letting Him hold it for you. Ask Him what your role is and if there is something you need to do; if so, do it. But don’t take back the weight of the worry. Then start thanking God for who He is and what He has already done for you, and you’ll feel the weight lifting off your shoulders as the words come.

Stop talking once in awhile. Instead, just listen.

The number (or quantity) of words you use in prayer do not matter, because prayer is about God, not about us. Trust that He is your constant companion. Don’t monopolize the dialogue but spend some of your time simply sitting and resting in His presence. And keep in mind that the best conversations are two-sided.

As you incorporate mindful prayer into your life, especially during the time of COVID-19, keep in mind these scriptures:

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

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:18

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. – Romans 12:12

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. – Jeremiah 33:3

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, - Luke 18:1

As we battle COVID-19, we must remember what Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:11-18 (NIV). Paul’s words instruct us just how to prepare for moments just like this; moments which seem out of control in the natural, moments of uncertainty, moments like now, when we

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

A Prayer for You:

Father, we come before Your throne with a grateful heart acknowledging You as the creator of all, Your son Jesus the Christ, and our helper, the Holy Spirit. We make our requests known to You in the name of Jesus. We seek Your face diligently and believe by faith we receive when we prayed. We do not doubt in our hearts, but we acknowledge that Your Word says if we ask, we shall receive. Therefore, today. We declare we are victorious in every area of our lives, in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

Lastly, I believe this an opportune time for families to get together and celebrate their blessings. Take this time and truly express your gratitude and love for one another. Do not miss the chance to take advantage of this moment in time that we may never have again, a time to love on our families without overwhelming distractions.

From my heart,

Donna. L. Houpe

*Practical suggestions adapted from “How to Pray without Ceasing” Kelly O’Dell Stanley on Crosswalk.com