What does it really mean to pray without ceasing? -- connecting the dots

"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

The Christian life isn't always easy. In fact, it's usually the very opposite. It's no secret that the more intentional you are about pursuing the Lord, the more forcefully Satan tends to come against you in your efforts. And in the times when things get rough or we need a rock to lean against, one of the greatest and most powerful ways we can combat the "fiery arrows of the devil" (Eph. 6:16) is to pray without ceasing.

For many people, the Apostle Paul's instructions to pray without ceasing sound inspirational, poetic, and desirable. But is it actually possible to do? Can anyone truly go through their days, weeks, months and years in today's society and actually pray without ceasing?

Think about this: The Greek word for "without ceasing" in 1 Thessalonian 5:17 is adialeiptos, which doesn't mean nonstop — but instead means constantly recurring.

Don't we already do things that are constantly recurring? Our phones and mobile devices alone are a breeding ground for habits that are constantly recurring.

Don't you think that if we are CALLED to pray without ceasing, we could do so in a constant and recurring fashion like we do with texting and social media?

God knows the closeness that comes from a relationship with Him. He longs to be near to us. His desire to grow in relationship with us is no different than our desire to grow in relationship with others.

Pray without ceasing: It's being constantly aware of the Lord's presence and pursuing Him above all things.

Dear God, please help me be constantly aware of Your presence today, and encourage those you love to do the same. In Jesus' name, amen.

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