Let’s work on the next command from 1 Thessalonians 5. Yesterday the command was to “rejoice always”. Today the Word of God instructs us to “pray without ceasing”.
The Word of God teaches:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Everybody prays, right? But does everybody pray without ceasing?
How does one pray without ceasing?
Years ago I purchased a small paper-back book titled, The Practice of the Presence of God, by (1641 – 1691). Brother Lawrence was a lay brother in the Carmelite monastery. His primary job was to cook and clean the dishes. Brother Lawrence’s thoughts on practicing the presence of God even in the most menial of tasks spoke volumes to me about praying without ceasing.
Brother Lawrence’s approach was simple, extremely simple. First, he would fill his mind with thoughts of God in prayer before going off to work in the kitchen. Then in the kitchen he spent “intervals of this time, as well as before and after his work, in prayer…As he proceeded in his work he continued his familiar conversation with his Maker, imploring His grace, and offering to Him all his actions.”
Brother Lawrence records:
O my God, since thou art with me, and I must now, in obedience to thy commands apply my mind to these outward [tasks], I beseech thee to grant me the grace to continue in thy presence; and to this end do thou prosper me with thy assistance, receive all my works, and possess all my affections.
Although his first few attempts were difficult, Brother Lawrence eventually developed a “habitual, silent and secret conversation of the soul with God.” What was his secret? Brother Lawrence learned to start and end his day with God, but to also continue, private conversations with God throughout the day. And that is what it means to practice the presence of God. Thus, it has been my experience that when I practice the presence of God I learn to “pray without ceasing.”
Make note of this: to pray without ceasing is both a science and an art. Continuous prayer, just like rejoicing always, is a science you must cultivate. An individual who develop the discipline to pray, learn to pray continually. Additionally, continual prayer is an art, in that you must respond to the moment or situation to offer that kind of prayer. By following the leadership of the Holy Spirit you learn the knack to pray always.
Here is an idea that I think will help you in the science and art of learning to pray without ceasing. Why not conduct your own research on the subject? First, place a post-it note near your desk or in your automobile that simply says, “PRAY!” Then let that note remind you to utter short, one-sentence prayers to your Heavenly Father throughout your day. Look for external prompts like conversations, situations, news, food, decisions, relationships, sights, aromas and other such reminders to cause you to pray. As your day progresses make note of what you pray. Record what happens as you pray. Thanks to Brother Lawrence, I believe the key to pray without ceasing is to practice the presence of God.