Pray Without Ceasing

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” : I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 

“Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” Matthew 21:22  

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests by made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 

Sometimes we wonder if something is from scripture or a quote from somewhere else.  What about these three?  Which one of them is from scripture?

            “Life is fragile. Handle with prayer.”

            “Prayer: the heart of the matter.”

            “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.”

That should be easy unless you skipped over the I Thessalonians scripture at the beginning of the devotion.  Different translations state it as “pray constantly,” “never stop praying” and “pray at all times.”

The Matthew scripture assures us that when we pray with faith, we will receive.  How often we pray without really believing!

The Philippians scripture urges us not to worry about anything.  I am very good at worrying.  I keep a copy of this scripture by my computer and use it as a frequent prayer.

Prayer: God, you know that we worry about things you can handle.  We often forget to thank you for all the blessings we take for granted.  May your peace surround us.  Amen.

Lois Poppe