Pray Without Ceasing? Impossible?

According to a 2014 Pew Research Center survey, more than half of Americans say they pray every day. Even among those who do not consider themselves religiously affiliated, 20% pray daily.

I have a feeling that our prayer requests are linked to our stress monitors. Stress goes up; prayer time takes a hike. Natural disasters, political upheavals, family and relationship struggles, financial crisis, terminal illness. And, yes, all the seemingly small things in our lives which seem big on a day to day basis, like, "please let me sleep through the night, just once," and "Janie studied so hard for this test; it would be nice if she'd get an A, Lord, or at least a B+"... or, "I really, really, really want this job. Can you help me out here, Lord?"

Muslims pray because they are commanded to do so; Buddhists don't pray; Hindus pray and offer gifts to one of their many gods. Christians connect with God through prayers as a child would connect with parents--because of our relationship with him in Jesus Christ.* {allabout prayer.org}

A pastor shared about a little boy's misunderstanding of the Lord's prayer. "Our Father who art in heaven," he began, "I know you know my name." {Morning With Jesus, Sept/Oct 2017}

How sweet is that! As a matter of fact, He does know your name.... He knew you before you were born; He knows the numbers of hairs on your head; He loves you with an eternal longing. Why wouldn't anyone of us want to spend time with God through prayer?

The Bible verse Pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, used to bother me; in that, "This is impossible, God." Seriously, I'd have to join a prayer convent.... Until, I began to think of this verse differently: praying without ceasing is an attitude one takes. Reflect the fruits of the spirit-- joy, peace, thankfulness, contentment. Give praise, sing, smile, care for, nurture. Prayers mean more than asking. It involves giving praise, feeling joy, and living a life that reflects the fact that you believe in an Almighty Creator, Ancient of Days, the great I AM.

In the beginning, God--and when the everlasting occurs: GOD.
Reason for prayer, don't you think?

The Early Bird Gotten By the Worm

The early bird gets the worm is a phrase to express the thought that initiative and industry has its rewards. This understandably applies to scholarships, jobs, the best seat on the bus, first picks at the buffet line, and to find everything you need on sale on a particular day.

I'm an early riser so I see the benefit of grabbing an opportunity or taking charge before others do. However, the phrase the early bird gotten by the worm interests me.

Is it possible that "early birds" are enablers? (They just want to get the job done and get it right... so others who could have been or should have been responsible aren't... causing others to become lazy or dependent on them. Ugh!)

If you're always the "early bird" in a buffet line or grabbing a seat on the bus, others see you as selfish. Did you step on someone else's toes to become the "early bird" that got the promotion in your office? Did you really need those "early bird" specials on sale?

I appreciate initiative, industriousness; it's what makes the world spin. However, looking at this entire topic from a Biblical perspective, I don't think Jesus was interested in being an "early bird." He seemed to reflect a serenity and contentedness that came from the "fruits of the Spirit"--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These don't sound like "early bird" attributes.... Unless, that is, you're first in line to volunteer at your local food bank. ;-) ... or sign up to sing in your newly formed church choir.

Matthew 19:30 reads, But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.

Philippians 2:3 reads, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

 

And, Colossians 3:12 reads, Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

 

It seems that finding a balance in how a person deals with situations-- using discernment, reflecting the love that Christ gives us, and praying for guidance in all things-- might be the key.