“Pray Without Ceasing” by Gayl Wright: 7 Ways to Pray blog series

How can we pray all the time? Gayl‘s post bursts with ideas of how to keep the conversation with God going throughout the day. I think you‘ll enjoy and benefit from reading her thoughts…

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

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB

How often do you pray? Do you think about prayer throughout the day? Or do you forget until you finally take a break? Is it possible to pray at any time during the day no matter what you are doing? In 1 Thessalonians 5, we are told that it is God’s will for us to pray without ceasing. How do we do that?

One of my friends tells me that she never says Amen. In other words, she has a constant dialogue, an open conversation with God. I like that idea, though I still use the word amen at times as it gives closure to a particular prayer.

How are we to pray without ceasing or follow the other commands in that passage to rejoice always and give thanks in everything? Notice that it says, “…for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” That makes all the difference. He has given us His Spirit to be with us always.

GOD’S PRESENCE WITH US

Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.

Psalm 139:7-10

Because God’s presence is with us all the time, we can talk to Him anytime of the day no matter where we are or what we are doing. Knowing that He is with me gives me a great sense of security and peace.

It’s easy to remember to pray when there are problems and we don’t know what to do. But what about giving thanks for even ordinary things as we go through our days?

In chapter 3 of Amy’s book, 7 Ways to Pray, she suggests that when we first wake in the morning to place our hands on our heart and “affirm, Jesus lives within me.”  She has similar suggestions for activities throughout the day.

My days can get rather busy at times and I neglect my special time of reading the Bible and praying. But that doesn’t mean all is lost. I can pray as I prepare meals, clean floors or during most any other household chore. If there is an emergency I can breathe a quick prayer for wisdom and calmness.

Father, here and now, calm my spirit, hear my prayer, give me grace, help me see you.

A couple of years ago I set alarms on my phone to remind me to pause during the day to acknowledge God’s presence with me. I discontinued it for a while, but I’ve started it up again. When I hear the familiar alarm on my phone, I stop and think about the presence of God with me. Then I often say a one sentence prayer thanking Him for life, for beauty or for anything else that comes to mind.

When possible, I set aside a longer time to pause, rest, and pray. Some days I sit on my front porch or walk around outside enjoying the beauty of creation. It gives me time to forget the chores calling my name and relax. I marvel at the vastness of creation and realize that although I am so small in comparison, God loves me, and nothing can take that away. 

PRAYING WITH OR WITHOUT WORDS

Praying doesn’t have to be done in a specific way. Sometimes I don’t have words, but I know the Holy Spirit will help me. God knows our hearts and shares our burdens. Sometimes when my day seems overwhelming and things are hard, I write a poem that is like a prayer of lament. It is a way to put words to the aching in my heart.

Burdens heavy on my heart
pierce me like a poisoned dart.
Lord, be near me.

My weeping eyes seek after you;
I don’t know what to do.
Lord, be near me.

Breaking through my anxious tears
Your light of peace calms my fears.
Lord, be near me.

Full of hope my hands I raise,
Voicing love and joyful praise.
Lord, be near me.
~gsw~

Each morning after reading a Psalm, I often write a poem in response which can also be a form of prayer.

You are gracious, God
Full of compassion and love
Your mercy abounds

You are so patient
Full of truth, strength and goodness
Your comfort calms me
~gsw~

The main thing is to keep the communication going between myself and God. Just knowing that He hears anytime is a comfort.

With the Holy Spirit’s help, may we all be intentional to acknowledge God’s presence with us throughout the day. May we rejoice and praise Him for all His wonderful works.

Lord, I call on you; hurry to help me. Listen to my voice when I call on you.
May my prayer be set before you as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering.

Psalm 141:1-2 (CSB)

Gayl Wright lives in a log home on a hill in Sunset, SC. She and her husband, Steve, raised 7 kids and have 14 grandkids. Some have chronic illnesses and one son is with Jesus. She was a church pianist for many years, and she also homeschooled her kids. Gayl loves to crochet, compose poems, write, art journal and spend time in nature. She is a seeker of truth, looking for beauty in ordinary things. Her desire in life is to glorify God and encourage others. Currently she serves as a volunteer as Content and SEO Coordinator for Chronic Joy®. Check out her blog Words, Photos and Art.

Order 7 Ways to Pray here, including in the US, UK, and Australia. You’ll also find lots of resources for small groups – videos and a leader’s guide – here.