by[17] “pray continually,” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV
How do you feel when you read 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which appears to be one of the shortest verses in the Bible? Just two words: “pray continually.” Other versions, like the King James Version, say, “pray without ceasing.” What comes to mind when you read this? Is God really telling His children to become 247 prayer machines without doing anything? I don’t think so. Why? Because God knows there’s more to life than prayer, although prayer is very important.
For example, guess if you’re always praying and aren’t getting time even to eat? What will happen to you? You will still pray but feel hungry, and when hunger sets in without you doing anything about it, imagine what will happen to you. You might die.
So 1 Thessalonians 5:17 doesn’t mean praying 247 every time. Instead, it means be in the mood of prayer always. In other words, keep conversing with God daily as you go about your life activities. Do you know that prayer cancels anxiety from your spirit and refreshes your heart with God’s peace? Yes, it is. God fills your heart with peace anytime you let your requests be made known to Him (see Philippians 4:6). Fret not, but learn to live prayerfully.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, I know You hear me when I cry out to You. May my mind never lean on my own understanding but trust You all the days of my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2025 – 298
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