Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Perpetual Prayer

     A special, set-aside time each day to spend with God in private prayer will strengthen your relationship with Him. Relationships take time and intimacy. The Bible goes a step further.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

     Tucked into these verses are the words, “pray continually” and “in every situation by prayer and petition.” Wow, pray continually and pray in EVERY situation? Is it possible to recognize and honor the fact that Jesus is with us and that His Spirit lives within us every moment of everyday? Can we lift up every circumstance as we move through our days? Praying for protection as we pull out of our driveways? Praying for someone we notice along the way that looks harried or sad? Can we stop to pray for a friend that comes into our mind? Or praise God for the beauty of His creation? Can we ask for help with our anxious thoughts when they begin to take over our minds and our hearts?

     I would say a resounding, “Yes!” and “Amen!” God is our constant companion through the sacrifice of Jesus. The Holy Spirit of the living God lives within us and will calm us and listen to us and keep us in peace as we honor His presence. I don’t know about you, but perpetual prayer sounds like a great way to live, continually surrounded with God’s presence. Can we trust God to be present in every single moment of every single day?

     Private prayer and perpetual prayer in relationship with the real and living God is worth a try. Are you ready? Welcome Him into your presence right now!

Dear Jesus,
You are right here, right now, past, present and future. You are willing to guide us through this life, every step of it, until we walk into eternity. Show us how to pray continually in every situation, practicing Your presence along the way.

Amen

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