Monday's Blessing
1 Thessalonians 5:17
"Pray without ceasing,"
Such a simple phrase, creatively written, with an immense meaning. I found it yesterday's after pondering the question, "How much should we pray?" Immediately, upon searching just a few minutes, this phrase reared its presence and stood stoic. It was odd as there was nothing else attached for further meaning. No need for more explanation it boosted. I may have posed this
question initially in my own selfish defense. Possibly a simple reaction contemplating how long one must pray for something until it is finally approved by God.
But I see there is no time frame in the eyes of God. By praying without ceasing, we develop such a strong bond that God hears and gives to us always. After all, the Bible says, pray and believe it is done, for it has already been granted to you by the father. That constant connection brings life's joys from above.
I pride myself on praying often. I thought that my prayer approach was probably more exceptional than most. There goes my ego again. But to pray without ceasing? That gives prayer a whole new spin in my book. This biblical verse makes me restructure my thoughts anticipating the need to be in direct contact with him at all times. That would mean God takes on a whole new persona, as a friend. Someone I feel confident sharing every aspect with my life. By doing so, I will be granted blessings and guidance steering me off the course of trouble. I fancied this thought, and realized there are so many prayers I am missing. If God wants to hear from me without ceasing, then I am apparently missing out on so many opportunities that slip through my hands like sands in the surf.
Thinking quietly, I realize my prayers may be a bit self-centered. Probably a little biased since they are all about me. Do I stop and give him adoration? thanksgiving? repentance? After all, there are many blessings God grants me each day. Do I ask for forgiveness when I've afflicted someone?
Regardless of my feelings of justification, I must ask God for forgiveness for hurting another child of his. Do I praise him with thanksgiving for all the many blessings he bestows? I know I'm good at asking for what I need, that seems to be automatic, but I need to ensure I look at the variety of prayer to pray unceasingly.
Daily Guidance
1. If you're at loss as to praising God in adoration, here is an easy one to get started:
Biblical Prayer of Praise and Adoration:
King David's prayer, quoted in 1st Chronicles 29:10-13, is one of many scriptural examples of a prayer of praise and adoration to God:
"Praise be to You, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from
everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and
the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth
is Yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, You are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands
are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give
You thanks, and praise Your glorious name."
2. If you've sinned and need a formal prayer:
Psalm 51
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my
transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I
sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are proved right when
You speak and justified when You judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful
from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner
parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I
will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and
gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy
Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing
spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners
will turn back to You. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and
my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth
will declare Your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. In Your good
pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be
righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight You; then bulls will be
offered on Your altar."
3. Above all, just talk when you pray! Talk every minute of every day to feel God's inspiration!
1 Thessalonians 5:17
"Pray without ceasing,"
Such a simple phrase, creatively written, with an immense meaning. I found it yesterday's after pondering the question, "How much should we pray?" Immediately, upon searching just a few minutes, this phrase reared its presence and stood stoic. It was odd as there was nothing else attached for further meaning. No need for more explanation it boosted. I may have posed this
question initially in my own selfish defense. Possibly a simple reaction contemplating how long one must pray for something until it is finally approved by God.
But I see there is no time frame in the eyes of God. By praying without ceasing, we develop such a strong bond that God hears and gives to us always. After all, the Bible says, pray and believe it is done, for it has already been granted to you by the father. That constant connection brings life's joys from above.
I pride myself on praying often. I thought that my prayer approach was probably more exceptional than most. There goes my ego again. But to pray without ceasing? That gives prayer a whole new spin in my book. This biblical verse makes me restructure my thoughts anticipating the need to be in direct contact with him at all times. That would mean God takes on a whole new persona, as a friend. Someone I feel confident sharing every aspect with my life. By doing so, I will be granted blessings and guidance steering me off the course of trouble. I fancied this thought, and realized there are so many prayers I am missing. If God wants to hear from me without ceasing, then I am apparently missing out on so many opportunities that slip through my hands like sands in the surf.
Thinking quietly, I realize my prayers may be a bit self-centered. Probably a little biased since they are all about me. Do I stop and give him adoration? thanksgiving? repentance? After all, there are many blessings God grants me each day. Do I ask for forgiveness when I've afflicted someone?
Regardless of my feelings of justification, I must ask God for forgiveness for hurting another child of his. Do I praise him with thanksgiving for all the many blessings he bestows? I know I'm good at asking for what I need, that seems to be automatic, but I need to ensure I look at the variety of prayer to pray unceasingly.
Daily Guidance
1. If you're at loss as to praising God in adoration, here is an easy one to get started:
Biblical Prayer of Praise and Adoration:
King David's prayer, quoted in 1st Chronicles 29:10-13, is one of many scriptural examples of a prayer of praise and adoration to God:
"Praise be to You, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from
everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and
the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth
is Yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom, You are exalted as head over all.
Wealth and honor come from You; You are the ruler of all things. In Your hands
are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give
You thanks, and praise Your glorious name."
2. If you've sinned and need a formal prayer:
Psalm 51
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your
unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.
Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I know my
transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against You, You only, have I
sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are proved right when
You speak and justified when You judge. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful
from the time my mother conceived me. Surely you desire truth in the inner
parts; You teach me wisdom in the inmost place. Cleanse me with hyssop, and I
will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and
gladness; let the bones You have crushed rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins
and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a
steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy
Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing
spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners
will turn back to You. Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and
my tongue will sing of Your righteousness. O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth
will declare Your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. In Your good
pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Then there will be
righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight You; then bulls will be
offered on Your altar."
3. Above all, just talk when you pray! Talk every minute of every day to feel God's inspiration!
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