Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
DISCIPLINE
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
I asked a pastor some years back how anyone can pray continually. He said, “No one can.” I thought that a cheap answer. If Paul, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says to pray continually, it must be possible.
I asked a friend in a Bible study the same question. He said, “If you’re a dedicated Christian, then your whole life is a prayer.” I thought that a cheap answer also.
The Christian life is not a lay-back and put-your-feet-up endeavor. It takes discipline. But the discipline is not possible on your own. I know that most certainly through many failures to pray continually. After much pleading for guidance in this matter, the Holy Spirit made a modest proposal: “Pray at every turn.” That is, whenever I change activities or interact with someone. Sending out this message is a turn in my life this day, and I pray it reaches all of you with encouragement to pray continually, as the Holy Spirit leads you.
July 30th, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Our minds are constantly sending messages to us. I always took that scripture to mean that I should always commit those thoughts to God. I often find myself expanding on a thought by asking Christ to assist me in controlling negative thoughts or to assist the person whose name just came into my thoughts. And of course, I rely on the Holy Spirit to speak to me and guide my thoughts that I might do His Will in a given situation. So I do find myself praying a lot. However, it is not non-stop 🙂