Always

A lot of churches have them. Small groups, home groups, or home Bible studies.  They go by many different names, but they pretty much all serve the same purpose. During the week, a small group of people who are usually similar to you get together. The similarities could range from the same age, shared interests, or being married, single, you name it. There is usually a group somewhere where you can fit in comfortably. During these meetings, there is a time of fellowship (i.e., talking and laughing), and most of the time there is dessert involved — you know us Christians, all food all the time!  Then you sit down and together discuss either a popular Christian book or a book of the Bible. Afterward, you typically pray together. Sharing is a big part of these small gatherings. It's a time to bare your soul, so to speak. A time to ask your close Christian friends to pray for you or with you about a concern for either yourself or someone you are close to and care about. It's an important factor in any church. I believe it helps to bind the church together. These small groups form alliances and long-lasting friendships, a family-like bond that can be carried on for years. And even though we have moved a lot, we are still in contact with those who have been in our small groups over the years. Their friendships are invaluable. They are usually the first people I call out to in times of distress or sorrow, they are in effect--family.

We are now involved in such a group at our church. We are relatively new. We are newbies. We are still making our way, getting to know the couples in our group. The similarities between us are as you would expect--empty nesters, grandparents, and well-grounded in our faith. We are now reading through the book of Acts. We share opinions and insights. We pose questions, and then all try to answer those questions as best we can.

The other night, though, got me thinking.  Someone asked this question — I wonder if we pray enough?  
Now I've written a blog on prayer before. I tried my hardest to tell you what prayer meant to me, giving you my own definition. However, that isn't what this blog is about. This blog is my answer to the question, "Do we pray enough?" Immediately while he was speaking a portion of scripture came to mind.  Being a newbie to the group, though, I held back my answer and waited to see if others were thinking the same thing I was, and sure enough, someone mentioned this verse.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:16, we are told to pray without ceasing.  

I am still thinking about that question today. I believe that we are to continuously (unbroken, without interruption) be praying. And I wonder--how is that different from continually praying? There is a difference, you know. I've done some research. I've delved into this matter. I was curious. Not that that comes as any surprise!

So, here is my conclusion — no, no, we probably don't pray enough. And this is why — we have a tendency to pray continually, in frequent or repeated prayers. Instead of continuously, and I believe there is a huge difference. And if you think about it for just a minute--just the fact that we ask that question shows that we might not be feeling as close to God as we'd like. However, if we changed one small word, one small way of doing something, one small way of thinking, one small way of praying--wouldn't our hearts change too? I think it would. Pray without ceasing. Pray all the time--continuously, without interruption. Pray. All. The. Time. In an unbroken, uninterrupted manner. Always.

Simple? Yes, very. You see, it's an attitude more than anything. You wake up in the morning, and you begin to thank God for everything. Your home, your bed, your life, your family, your friends--every little thing, silly or important, it doesn't matter to Him. You go throughout your day, singing to Him, thinking about Him, praising Him--that's praying. It's a heart thing, it's a mind thing, it's being grateful, thankful, and appreciative. So, stay in that attitude, that mindset of prayer all day long — without ever stopping. That is praying without ceasing. And then, you won't wonder, you won't question, you won't feel--well, you won't feel close to God. You will feel His presence all around you all the time. Hmmmm, maybe kind of like those great big eagle's wings wrapped around you, protecting you from everything. At least that's how I feel.

He is always there, He is always listening, He is the great I Am. So you'll be there too. Always.