7 Pieces of Advice from an ApostleSample

Pray Without Ceasing

Pray without ceasing. At first glance, this three-word command seems impossible to obey, yet we know that our Father does not give us commands to defeat and frustrate us. He gives us commands for our good. What is God telling us here? Be in an attitude of prayer all the time. Live your life in the presence of God. 

Realize that God is right there with you throughout the day and night. Sense, remember, and enjoy His presence. Talk with Him throughout the day. The idea is to have an ongoing conversation with God: talking, listening, singing, thanking, asking, interceding, praising, confessing, laughing, and weeping. It is a life lived in God’s presence, enjoying God throughout the day.

Maybe it’s a bit like a persistent cough. That cough is in your throat throughout the day, ready to erupt into an actual cough at any moment. Similarly, we are in an attitude of prayer throughout the day, ready to erupt into actual prayer at any moment. 

We’re driving to work, talking with God about our day—about a project, about a conflict, about an important meeting. We’re playing with our preschooler on the living room floor and we breathe a prayer of thanksgiving. We’re at our desk, working away, and we pray for wisdom at various points. We’re walking to our car and remember a friend who needs a job, and we lift our friend to God. We’re driving to the grocery store with a worship CD in the stereo, and we’re singing to God. It is life lived before God. It’s not a burden or a discipline to practice; it's an attitude to adopt. “God is here with me, right now and all the time.” 

Lord, teach us to pray. Teach me to pray. Teach us what it means to live life in Your presence, praying without ceasing.