Tag: Prayer

Living in constant connection with God

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JEFF TURNER

When Paul tells believers to pray without ceasing, some people respond by feeling discouraged. They wonder how anyone could possibly pray all the time. The answer is simpler than it seems.

This command does not mean we need to walk around praying out loud every moment of the day. Some religious groups in ancient times tried to do exactly that, but they missed the point entirely. They spent so much time with their heads bowed in prayer that they kept bumping into things around them.

What Paul meant was something different. He was telling us to keep an attitude of prayer at all times. Think of prayer like breathing. You cannot live without breathing, and if you are alive, you breathe automatically. The air pressure around you fills your lungs without you thinking about it.

Prayer works the same way in our spiritual lives. It means living every moment aware that God is with you. When something happens during your day, you naturally turn it into a conversation with God. Good things become reasons to thank him. Difficult situations become requests for help. The needs of others become chances to pray on their behalf.

Praying without ceasing simply means staying closely connected to God throughout everything you experience.

A Willing Heart to Hear God

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FLOYD ROGERS

To hear God’s voice, we must first admit that we need to learn. This begins with having a teachable spirit. We need a heart that is open and humble. When someone believes they already know everything, they close themselves off from growth. Pride becomes a barrier to hearing from God.

Being teachable means being ready to receive truth, not just from personal reading or prayer, but also by learning from others. It means being willing to try, to apply what we learn, and to grow from experience. This kind of attitude invites God to speak, because it shows that we are ready to listen.

If we want to hear from God regularly and clearly, we need to stay open, eager, and honest before Him.

Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

James 1:21

Finding Strength Through Prayer and Faith

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FLOYD ROGERS

When challenges arise in life, it is important to remember where you stand. If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your saviour, you have become a child of God. This means you now have access to His power and His promises. That is your position—your spiritual standing—based not on what you’ve done, but on your relationship with Christ.

In every situation, you have the right to turn to God. You can speak to Him, knowing that He listens and responds. The Bible encourages us in Matthew 7:7: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” God is not distant. He is willing to act on our behalf.

Prayer is not just a ritual. It is a privilege. God pays attention, and He responds because of the relationship we have through Jesus. Holding onto that truth gives us confidence, no matter the difficulty we face.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name,

John 1:12

What is the purpose of The Lord’s Prayer?

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JEFF TURNER

Matthew 6 contains what is often called the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus teaches His followers how to pray. Some believers today repeat these words exactly as written, especially during worship or other formal gatherings. But was that what Jesus wanted?

Looking closely at the passage, it becomes clear that Jesus was not encouraging a repeated script. In fact, just before offering this prayer, He warned against empty, repeated phrases that lack meaning. While memorizing this prayer is helpful, it was never meant to be recited without thought. Instead, it serves as a guide. He even said, “Pray, then, in this way.”

Each part of the prayer points to a larger theme in our relationship with God. It begins by focusing on God’s holiness and His kingdom, then shifts toward daily needs, forgiveness, and protection. Jesus provided a structure that teaches us how to approach God in a thoughtful and balanced way.

Rather than repeating the words, we are meant to build our personal prayers around these ideas.

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

Sound Street’s “Pray, Pray, Pray” encourages children to talk to Jesus

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS MUSIC

Arden, North Carolina (September 19, 2025) — The latest single from Sonlite Records’ Sound Street might have some of the flavors of a contemporary children’s song, and it’s led by 9-year-old Johanna Vanderslice, but “Pray, Pray, Pray” affirms in its lyrics a message that every age can appreciate:

Provided to YouTube by Syntax Creative Pray, Pray, Pray · Sound Street Pray, Pray, Pray ℗ 2025 Sonlite Records Released on: 2025-09-19

Pray, pray, pray, Have a little talk with Jesus
Pray, pray, pray, On and on without ceasin’
Lay it all before Him, every night and morning
He’s gonna make a way
So pray, pray, pray
Pray

“We are beyond excited,” enthuses father Jarrod Vanderslice, who leads the trio with daughter, Jaylie, and third member, Ryan Bilbey, “for this powerful reminder that no matter the time, place, or situation, we never have to worry or fret… we can always PRAY!

“This release is extra special because it features Johanna â€” my daughter and baby sister to Jaylie. You may remember her small but sweet debut in our version of ‘I’m So Blessed’… but this time, the song is all hers! From the very first note, Johanna’s voice doesn’t just sing — it connects. Her ability to communicate the heart of this song is beyond her years and absolutely captivating.”

Indeed, Johanna’s conviction shines through in her endearing delivery, while producer/pianist Roger Talley leads the backing ensemble through the song’s irresistible musical signature and cheery melody to create a memorable setting.

Says Jarrod, “We hope ‘Pray, Pray, Pray’ encourages you the way we teach our own children — to talk to Jesus about everything, anytime, anywhere!”

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18