What Does it Mean to Pray Without Ceasing?

Prayer has been on my mind a lot lately. In First Thessalonians 5:17 we are commanded to pray without ceasing. But what does that mean? Does it mean I spend my entire life, every minute of the day in prayer? You know' I have a feeling that is not what Paul meant when he wrote that. I think that what he means is that we are to put all things to the Lord in prayer. When you have a big decision to make, when you are facing a trial, when you are worried about a friend, when you are struggling with anger or addiction, or simply want to rejoice. God should be first in your mind. I cant tell you how often I have ceased praying and tried to do things my own way only to fall flat on my face. My life is so much better off with God in charge.

Jesus is a great example of prayer. All over the gospels you see Jesus seeking out a secluded place to spend time in prayer to His Father. How often do we forget that when Jesus came down to earth He came down exactly like us, meaning He had to communicate with God the same way we do, through prayer. He prayed so much that even in his darkest moments He was on his knees. But what is amazing about His prayer is not just how often He prayed but what He prayed about. In the garden of Gethsemane He prayed for His disciples (John 17:6-19) then He prayed for all believers (John 17:20-26). These were no passing prayers, they were heartfelt and passionate, they showed of His love for those he called His own. But even more amazing was His prayer upon the cross for those who crucified Him. "Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34). Even in His last moments of life He prayed for the unsaved.

This makes me look at my life and ask a few questions. How much time do I spend in prayer. Is it a passing moment? Maybe a foxhole prayer here and there? Or am I a bit more diligent and pray every morning? I have been guilty of all of these kinds of prayer. But the question is do I pray like Jesus prayed and like Paul commanded of us. Do I pray through out the day? Not as often as I should. Also what and who am I praying for. Yes I pray for my loved ones, that comes easy. But do I pray for the uncomfortable things? Am I praying for those who are not saved? Am I praying for the people who have hurt me? Am I praying for a more compassionate and merciful heart? Am I bearing others burden in prayer? Not as I should. I don't think anyone's prayer life is perfect. But we were given and amazing example in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and I want to strive to follow it. If I do then I think I will find more than enough to pray about to keep me praying without ceasing.