The importance of praying continually
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
One Sunday in a Midwest city, a little boy was acting up during the morning worship hour at church. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew, but were quickly losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly down the aisle on his way out. Just before reaching the foyer, the child called loudly to the congregation, “Pray for me! Pray for me!”
At some point in time, every Christian feels just like that little boy. They’re staring in the face of an undesirable outcome and their only hope is to simply say, “Pray for me.” But what if, instead of it being a last resort, prayer was the first place you went? What if being in a persistent state of faithful prayer wasn’t just something you did when times got tough, but was a way of life?
This is exactly the kind of attitude the apostle Paul wrote about in today’s passage. He says that the Christian life isn’t just about praying when times get tough; it’s about praying at all times—good and bad.
The faith that sustains you when things look the worst is the very same faith that sustains you when things are at their best. So pray continually. If things are good, thank God for His blessings in your life. If things are bad, pray that God would show you His purpose. Communication with your Creator is the key to living a life filled with God’s very best!
Prayer Challenge
Ask God to remind you to stay connected with Him through prayer in the good times and bad.
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