Living with a Heart that Prays

JEFF TURNER

Some Bible commands can feel difficult to follow. One example is in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, where Paul tells believers to “pray without ceasing.” At first, this can sound like we must pray every moment of the day. But the teaching is about having prayer as an ongoing part of life, not about speaking prayers nonstop.

To “pray without ceasing” means there should never be long periods in our lives when we are not praying. We may not pray out loud all the time, but our hearts should stay open to God. Prayer becomes part of our regular daily rhythm, much like thinking about loved ones throughout the day without speaking to them every moment.

Even if we are not always talking to God, we can live with an attitude that we are in his presence and ready to speak to him at any time. Our thoughts and actions can be shaped by a steady awareness of him. We should bring everything to God in prayer, making it a natural and ongoing part of life.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6