”pray continually,
1 Thessalonians 5:17New International Version (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
Pray Continually
1 Thessalonians 5:17 exhorts you and me to pray continually. That is, to pray without stopping – repeatedly and often (Luke 18:1, 21:36, Romans 12:12, Ephesians 6:18, and Colossians 4:2).
Therefore, this is Paul’s exhortation for you and me to make prayer (Matthew 6:5-15) a priority at all times (that is, to make prayer a constant and continuous habit). This is because he wanted you and me to be in constant communication with God on any subject matter (Philippians 4:6). And God listens to every prayer because He is interested in everything about your life (John 14:14).
Not mumbling to God
Praying continually is not mumbling to God all day, especially since prayer is simply communication with God.
The practice of the first-century devoted Jews and Christians
Did you know that the practice of first-century devoted Jews and Christians was to pray two or three set times per day (like Daniel in 6:10)? And in so doing, they prayed continuously throughout the day.
Nevertheless, when our lives are saturated with prayer, then we are able to continually enter and stay in the presence of God. Therefore, prayer is communication and a means of fellowship and relationship with God, the Creator, and the Source of all. It is the link between the human and the divine.
Prayer is not reserved for difficult times
So, prayer is not meant to be a reserve for difficult times (Philippians 4:6). While difficult times come and go, because they’re seasonal, all times are opportunities for prayer.
Prayerfulness differentiates some men from others
Moreover, prayerfulness is also what differentiates some men from others. God powerfully uses prayerful men. Such men understand struggle (Ephesians 6:12) and God uses them to advance His kingdom (Matthew 6:10).
Continuous prayer facilitates fruitfulness
Continuous prayer, therefore, facilitates fruitfulness. God listens to (Matthew 7:7-8) and responds (answers) to prayer (Hebrews 4:16). It is the means (technology) of receiving from God (James 4:2-3).
Prayer/Blessing
Father, I thank You for providing prayer as a means of fellowship with and receiving from You. I pray that You help me in my prayer life and discipline. And I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Ezra 3-5 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
