Lets begin with the Word of God on this:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18). “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same thanksgiving;” (Colossians 4:2). “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12).
The apostle Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. And in this we are in continued, uninterrupted fellowship with God. But first let us define ‘pray without ceasing’. The Greek word for ‘pray’ is ‘proseuchomai’ (pros-yoo-khom-ahee) which is defined as to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship, earnestly for. The Greek word for ‘without ceasing’ is ‘adialeipotos’ (ad-ee-al-iep-toce) which is defined as uninterruptedly, i.e. without omission, without ceasing. Together they mean to communicate with God at all times without pause.
But how is this possible? As human beings we have a finite mind. We can only focus on one thing at a time. And in this world we live in, so much requires our attention that it is quit impossible for us to stay in continual prayer, without pause. To begin with, continual prayer is a state of God consciousness. During the day, prayer should be a conscious response to every action and thought. That is, before we make a decision on an action, we go before God to seek His guidance and Will. Followed by thanksgiving and praise to Him for hearing our prayers. Keeping an open ear for His answer and open eyes to see His presence in these things, and the faith and trust in his wisdom and direction. We can be aware of His continual presence without thinking about it. An automatic awareness and response to His voice. Just like breathing, we do not consciously think about it but we know we are breathing. And when we are not in this state then we are depending on ourselves instead of God’s continual grace. Therefore continual prayer is not only when we formally pray to God, it is living and walking in an awareness of God and that He is actively involved in our thoughts and actions. Acknowledging God in all we do and think. When our thoughts turn to anger, fear, anxiousness, and discouragement, we immediately turn our consciousness to Him in prayer and thanksgiving. It is a continual awareness of God acting in our lives in all things. Every conscious free moment we have, talking with our Father. God is aware what we can and cannot do. After all, He created us. Whenever our minds ‘free up’, our thoughts are towards Him. Prayer without ceasing refers to recurring prayer. Non-stop talking with God; A consciousness that whatever we see and experience leads us before God; Communication with Him continually; Acknowledgement of His presence at all times; Instant communication with Him; Talking with Him, not repetitive, vain prayers…talking with Him just as we would with a best friend.
In this our lives become a continual prayer that ascends before God, and is pleasing to Him. In this way we are setting our minds on Him in all things. “Set your minds on things above, and not on earthly things.” (Colossians 3:2). I used to be troubled because I could not be in continual prayer to our father, and I would ask forgiveness from Him in this. Not realizing that I was at that very instance, praying to God. Yes, we are told to pray consistently without ceasing, but understanding that it is not only in formal prayer before Him, but a way of life, A constant awareness the He is with us.
Your comments are always welcomed and encouraged.
Psalm 34:3 "O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together." (KJV)
