Unceasing Prayer

The Apostle Paul writes:

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)

Is this possible? Yes! Let us explore how. We need the help of the Holy Spirit:

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.   (Ephesians 6:18)

The Spirit teaches us to pray:

For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with groanings too deep for words. And God, who searches hearts, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.   (Romans 8:24-27)

The Spirit leads us to Jesus:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   (Philippians 4:4-7)

The unceasing presence of the Lord leads us to unceasing prayer. The love of Christ guards our hearts. Jesus enables our hearts to continue in prayer with him, as he intercede for all believers. We join Jesus in the Spirit, who is always interceding for the saints.

Jesus is calling all of us to pray with him. He wants our companionship. If, however, we are to be a companion to Jesus then we must learn to love the things he loves. Jesus loves us and he loves prayer. Will we join him? Will we open the door of our hearts? We must be willing to put ourselves in subjection to him, that includes our   bodies. There is no room for sexual sin.

We must love Jesus more than anything this world has to offer. This means we are more concerned about pleasing him than filling our pews. He will do that for us better than we can ever do. He will do that and more. Do we want his plan more than our plan, even if it means waiting on his next move? The only thing in ministry matters is fellowship with Jesus. That is how we pray without ceasing.