Good Morning My Beloved Ones,
I
pray that the smile on your face makes a stop at your eyes and comes to rest in
your soul.
Today
I want to talk to you about “increasing to non-ceasing”. I’m talking
about your prayer-life. Some of you are asking, “What’s a
prayer-life?” Ahh…so glad you asked!
We
are told in I Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing. Sound
impossible? It’s not. There was a time long ago that I prayed over
my food (if I wasn’t out in public) and whenever a serious problem arose.
That was it. You could hardly call that a prayer-life. But now I’ve
reached a point of praying without ceasing. Let me show you what that
might look like…
When
I woke up in the morning, my first thought is,
“Lord, Thank you for another
day. Let my life be pleasing to you today. Guide me, keep me,
forgive any sin I may have committed and show me what you want from my life
today.” I bless my breakfast. As I walk outside, I either thank God for the beautiful day or pray for safety on the roads in the
weather. As I drive to work, I ask God to watch over and protect my
children and grandchildren, my mom, my church family, my beloved ones, my
friends and co-workers. I ask for specific needs I know some of them
have. I pray for salvation or a closer walk with Jesus, whichever the
person’s need may be. When I get to work, I pray for a good day, favor
for my boss, clients and co-workers. I ask that He help me out with
problems that will arise and for patience when I am challenged. While I’m
working, my mind is of course on my job, but if I get a good sale or something
goes right or easy, I breathe a little “thank you Lord” and if I’m having a
rough day, my spirit cries out “help” and I know my Lord hears me. As I
talk to clients, if one of them shares that he or a family member is ill, I
tell him I’ll pray for them and when we hang up, I do. As I drive home,
I’m thanking God for the successes in my day and asking for guidance for things
to come.
In the evening, I try to find a little time to just be quiet and
ask Him to speak to me. As I go to bed, I thank Him for loving me and
being my constant companion throughout the day. I ask Him to keep me
while I sleep that I might wake again tomorrow.
After
a while, praying without ceasing becomes as a second-nature as breathing.
What kind of prayer-life do you have? If you only pray when a need
arises, try also blessing your food. If you are doing that, add prayer
for those you love. Don’t forget to repent sins and ask for guidance.
Before you know it, you’ll be increasing to non-ceasing.
What
is the benefit of praying without ceasing? I’m
not as lonely – I have
someone to talk to all day. I feel more confident – I know God hears me
and help is just a whisper away. I have purpose- I know my prayers for
others help make their lives better. Prayer changes things.
My
prayer for you, beloved ones, is that you have a prayer-life and it be rich and
full and will bless you with all the benefits I receive from mine.
Remember me in your prayers, Raelynn