28TH JANUARY
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.”
If Jesus needed to pray then we need to pray too!
“Pray without ceasing.” This command does not require the incessant recitation of prayers. Paul wasn’t asking the Thessalonians to stop living, and to be locked in their rooms 24/7 and pray, pray, pray! Rather, Paul is calling the Thessalonians to a prayerful way of living: “continuing steadfastly in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
Praying without ceasing refers to an attitude of the heart. To pray without ceasing is to have your thoughts, your emotions, your worries, your life, humbly dependent upon the Lord, while consistently addressing actual prayers to the Lord.
Jesus prayed without ceasing. He depended on prayer, and when he was praying it was not only because he wanted to set an example for his followers, but because the Son of God needed to be connected through prayer to God the Father.
If Jesus needed to be connected through prayer to God, how much more do we need to pray?
As you pray, expect God’s response. As Andrew Murray challenges us, “Each time, before you intercede, be quiet first, and worship God in His glory. Think of what He can do, and how He delights to hear the prayers of His redeemed people. Think of your place and privilege in Christ, and expect great things!”
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
Write down 3 things you are expecting and believing God to do in your life this month. Make sure to keep in in a safe place so you can reflect on it in a months time.