Never stop praying.

‭‭1 Thessalonians ‭5:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I appreciate the significance of simplicity.

Three words . . . precise and powerful. 

In some translations it reads, “Pray without ceasing.” The New Living Translation uses three dynamic words . . . “Never Stop Praying”.

Prayer is a practice in times of problems, perplexity, pain and praise. We often prayer for wisdom in our wandering, direction in our dilemmas, and truth in our troubled times.

Debbie and I talk often about praying for our children and grandchildren. Several years ago, we added family portraits of our girls on the wall to the left of the television.  There are many times when my attention focuses on those pictures . . . my heart fills, my eyes moisten and my thoughts turn to praying for each daughter, each son-in-law, and each grandchild.  

Whether they are in the home or out, growing up or grown up, in good times or bad . . . praying for our children is an exercise of our heart, an expression of help and an expectation of hope. The apostle Paul sums it up . . . “Never stop praying”.

In this communication with our Creator, we experience a confidence in His compassion, care and control. Prayer changes us and challenges our walk to rest, to reside and to relinquish.

Prayer Activates Faith.

Prayer is the key that opens the door of faith. Jesus said, “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” (Matt‬ ‭21:22‬ ‭NLT‬‬). Prayer places my hope in The Hope. It’s not based on my feelings, but on God’s feeling for me. His love looms over me. His compassion covers. Corrie ten Boom reminded, “Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.”

Prayer Admits I Can’t Fix It.

I’m a fixer. If it’s broken, I try to fix it. Prayer is my admission that I can’t fix it . . . because . . . I’m also broken. Paul wrote, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Phil‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬). When I take my eyes off of my sorrows and place them on the Savior, I am soothed with His solution. Oswald Chambers noted, “We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.”

Prayer Assuages My Fear.

Our conversations with God give us courage. When the enemy tries to destroy us, prayer delivers us. John Bunyan encouraged, “Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” The apostle Paul continued his instruction about prayer, “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬)

Prayer Acknowledges My Future.

Our prayers today realizes our promise in tomorrow. Our God knows what we cannot. He has a purpose that is His pleasure. He knows our desired destiny.  Jeremiah told about God’s unending encouragement, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.’” (Jer 29:11-12‬ ‭NLT‬‬). Our future is secure in His faithful hands. R. A. Torrey wrote, “Those persons who know the deep peace of God, the unfathomable peace that passeth all understanding, are always men and women of much prayer.”

If we “never stop praying”, we will always have peace. Arthur Hopkins illustrated this thought, “Our prayer and God’s peace are like two buckets in a well; while one ascends the other descends.”

Let your prayers be depending. 

Let your prayers be dynamic. 

Let your prayer be desperate.

Don’t stop!!!