Pray Continually
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16. Rejoice always, 17. pray constantly, 18. give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19. Do not quench the Spirit, 20. do not despise prophesying, 21. but test everything; hold fast what is good, 22. abstain from every form of evil. 23. May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24. He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Ephesians 6:18
Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Today is a National Day of Prayer. Pray at all times; pray constantly. Paul urges us not to wait for an assigned day to pray, and he preaches that we should be in constant, ongoing, fervent, unrelenting, passionate prayer to the God who sent His son to earth to pay the price of all of our sins.
But it’s exciting to think that all over the country people are praying! One day when people may stop and deliberately pray – for themselves, their families and friends, their teachers, pastors, fire fighters and police officers, for their neighbors and their churches—and even for their “enemies.” That kind of power is unstoppable! Imagine the prayers of millions of believers being lifted to heaven throughout this day!
We may certainly rejoice not only today, but always, because of Jesus Christ. We are to fan the flame of the Holy Spirit, not only today, but at every opportunity – by testifying to our faith, and spreading the Good News to everyone we meet. Today we may make a concerted effort to be “extra holy” and avoid sin, but perhaps today we can re-commit to make it our life’s goal to be sanctified and blameless. Today we may ask God to grant wisdom to our local and national leaders and decision makers, but every day we have the responsibility to identify when they are “falsely testifying” and leading us down a path not of peace and salvation, but of unholy actions and despicable outcomes—and vote responsibly and to protest against ungodly actions. Keep alert with perseverance,
Rejoice always in our salvation! Give thanks in all circumstances. As Christians we know that we may rejoice because heaven awaits us. Continual prayer is a natural result and desire due to that great promise and certain future!
Rejoice, pray, keep alert, abstain from evil, test everything.
May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.. He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
Mary
