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

For years I struggled with prayer. We may not know how to pray, what to say, or find it difficult to find time to pray. Additionally, there is always something vying for our attention––cell phones, tv, family members, or responsibilities––that get in the way of time with the Lord.

My grandmother once told me that one of her friends exclaimed, “Rose, I pray every minute, every hour, every day.” And with laughter in her eyes, my grandmother followed up with, “You know she was lying.” But in 1 Thessalonians, Paul instructs us to “pray without ceasing.” If it is an impossible task, why would God implore us to do it?

Because it’s not impossible––but it is a choice. I am learning that this instruction is less about the task of prayer and more about having an attitude of prayer. So how do we cultivate an attitude of prayer?

First, we must decide to depend on God totally, steadfastly, and wholeheartedly for all of our needs. When we realize that all our needs––physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and financial––are needs that God can, and will, provide, then our worries, anxieties, and fears can melt away.

Perhaps having a constant or continual attitude of prayer looks like a sea captain piloting his ship through rocky waves whose eyes are ever fixed on the lighthouse shining in the distance. As we keep the eyes of our hearts focused on the Lord in the middle of our own journey––whether the waves are calm or tumultuous––we will find that He is the light to guide our way.

Regardless of the task at hand, our strength, hope, help, joy, and peace are found in a constant reliance on our Father’s care. Prayer is simply taking hold of this promise. And when we have an attitude of continual prayer, then praise and thanksgiving will follow no matter the circumstance.

Prayer

Father, help me to continually keep my mind and heart on You. Sometimes I find it difficult to pray: please help me to know You are always listening and inviting me into Your presence. With my whole heart, I will seek to depend on You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ponder

And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. ~ Luke 18:1 ESV

What are ways you can cultivate prayer in your daily life? How can a new attitude about prayer offer comfort in your current situation?

Recommended Resources*

E. M. Bounds on Prayer, by E. M. Bounds

Refresh Your Prayers, by Lori Hatcher

Talking with God: A Practical Plan for Personal Prayer, by Dick Eastman