How could I do that?

1 Thessalonians 5:17 pray without ceasing,

“Yea God, how am I supposed to do that?” Any of us that have heard that scripture, have asked that question. Anyone who hears that passage thinks to themselves, how could I get anything else done if I was praying all the time. We picture in our minds bowed heads and praying hands struggling with what to say for a lengthy time with God. Many of us struggle with prayer period, we are intimidated at the thought of it, much less how to do it “right.” If we are intimidated on the proper form, how in the world could we be asked to do it all the time? There is both good and bad in these feelings; let me explain. The bad in the doubt is Satan at work. He is the author of all doubt, the polar-opposite of faith, and in this doubt he keeps you from praying at all. Satan does not fear your good life, your knowledge of scripture, nor any level of pride in religion you possess. He knows in all of that is pride, pride is the root of all sin, and God will not use your pride for any kingdom work. However, the humble heart that pleas with God brings the power of God to defeat Satan! Satan fears prayer from the weakest soul, because that person understands how much they need God, and has the faith for God to do what they can’t. Satan fears prayer on every level, and can you imagine the level he fears the person who prays more than meal blessings and the lay me down to sleep prayers?

I always struggle with how much to reveal of my personal life here, but I never want to appear lofty, or having it all together either. The level of my struggles is greater than even the closest to me know; I keep my biggest ones to myself, as not to be a burden to others. Getting older sucks, and I feel as though I am stressed out beyond my ability, and of course this effects the mental and physical sides of me…..I am no different from whatever you are facing right now. I meet so many people struggling every day. I see God open doors for me to pray with many of you, and I consider it a humble honor to be able to lift you up to God. I have approached God in prayer for myself and others on seemingly endless topics, many times not even knowing how to pray, but still trying. Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. There are great similarities in that passage of Philippians, and the context of this passage in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Comparing scripture with scripture is how you study the Bible and grow your faith. Both of these passages speak to trusting God in the details of your life. Sovereignty is God’s power and control played out every day, and your trusting it is your faith. The theme of 1 Thessalonians is one of hope.

Expounding “praying without ceasing” is a personal account with you and God. There are not directions in the Bible of how, no right or wrong, but to put it simply, it is a matter of the Spirit inside of you. Whether or not you realize it, you are being prayed for without ceasing. The Holy Spirit constantly tries to help you through this life, communicating with a Holy God the details of your life. Every second you can pause to plea to God what is on your heart, is a prayer without ceasing. God doesn’t need your bowed head and praying hands to hear your hearts desire for him today.