Digging Deeper: Pray Without Ceasing
16 “Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
PRAY WITHOUT CEASING
The word “pray” (and other forms of the word) are found over three hundred times in Scripture. We are reminded again and again to take our cares and worries to the Lord in prayer. Nothing is too small and out of sight of our Creator. We are promised that “… whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matt 21:22). John also reminds us to have confidence, and “if we ask anything according to his will he hears us” (1 John 5:14).
It is interesting to note how both of those two verses contain the tiny word “if.” It is a powerful word, and it reminds us that we must have faith when we approach the Lord in prayer. We also must ask “in God’s will” so that he can hear us. I have often heard the statement “God is not our cosmic bellhop” (source unknown). That means we cannot just ring the “bell of prayer” and He will cater to our every whim. We must approach the throne of grace with humility and reverence, asking in Jesus’ name, and God’s will be done.
As those of you who attend NorthStar know, we are in the beginning stages of a building campaign called “Whatever it Takes.” Don’t panic, I am not asking you for money (however if the Spirit is leading you in that direction, feel free to respond). I bring this up only as a reminder of what the power of prayer can do. Prayer has been an integral part throughout the history of NorthStar. Prayer got this church off the ground. Prayer has sustained NorthStar as we approach thirty years in existence. Prayer will see us through this next season.
Just like those three thousand souls that were saved at Pentecost, people will come, the Word will be heard, the Spirit will empower, and lives will be changed for eternity. As your week wraps up, take a moment to pray for God’s will to be revealed in your life. Thank Him for His many blessings, and pray for the Spirit to embolden you to walk strongly in the Lord. As Jesus reminds us, “13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14).
Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.