1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (The Message) Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
Praying all the time can mean two things. First it may mean that we are supposed to take time at regular intervals to pray. Both Jews and Muslims have specified times of prayer. These times are prescribed with rituals, special clothing, and postures for prayer. I think God intends for us to have a scheduled prayer time. The practice of regular prayer is necessary to our lives.
The second meaning is equally important. God desires to be in fellowship with us at all times. Like a child’s invisible friend, God is always present and wants us to admit that presence. Unlike child’s play, the presence of God is a lifetime practice that is both real and needful. The definition of prayer I most like is the one from Betty Shannon Cloyd at the beginning of this chapter, “prayer is speaking with and listening to God at any time, in any place, and about anything.” Prayer is being open to a constant conversation with God.
Consider this method of constant conversation. It’s called the Breath Prayer. This is a simple prayer you might say throughout your day. For instance, you see an ambulance drive by and you pray, “God be with the person who needs that care.” Or if you encounter an angry customer you might pray, “Lord, whatever they are struggling with, please help them have peace in their life.” Every time I get an email that says something like “Please pray for my cousin who is in surgery.” I pray, “God be with this cousin and the healthcare professionals.” Then I let the person know I prayed.
Try breath prayers throughout your day.
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