We are going to start off by memorizing a Scripture verse. 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Now if you have never memorized a verse in your life: today is your day. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “pray continually.”
In its simplest form prayer is communication with God. I am sure that some of us have had bad first impressions of prayer growing up. We went to church and the pastor or people up front were very long winded, praying for every single person by name: it would drag on and on. Before everything had to happen in church we had to pray. Or maybe prayer was the thing that kept you from getting to eat right away at Thanksgiving. Or that we have to be kneeling, with our arms or hands folded and head bowed.
When we start at that context of what prayer is and hear 1 Thessalonians 5:17 it is scary. You mean the Bible says I have to have my head bowed and be talking to God with my eyes closed ALL THE TIME?
When will I eat? Am I allowed to fall asleep? When it says to never stop, does it really mean to never stop?
What this verse is commanding us to do is not have our hands folded and always be asking God for something. Prayer is communication and we are to keep the skies open for that communication. We should always be seeking to be in communication with God. Often time there are clouds in our life that our blocking out God. We should seek to get rid of the clouds of laziness, pride, anger, etc. that we might be constantly fellowshipping with God.
Psalm 55:16-17 reads: “As for me, I call to God, and the LORD saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.”
If we draw near to God, He promises in His word that He will draw near to us. Even when do not feel Him, know that He is close. This Lent season let us walk with God, let us pray with out stopping and let us remain in God that He would remain in us.
Dan Ulrich grew up attending camp and has served on weekly staffs as a counselor, worship team, teacher, evangelist and is currently serving as the camp treasurer. Dan is on staff at Sicklerville UMC as director of student and young adult ministries. Image credit: Jared Rarick, via CreationSwap.
