We have been noting there are things which may be done and done with, while there are others which must be acknowledged as ongoing. Though some may refer to things they did once or used to do, what marks the present ongoing actions which compel continued forward motion?
Prayer is an act in which we have been given the privilege to engage. However, there is an ongoing spirit of prayer that is to encompass our life.
Writing to Christians at Thessalonica, Paul urged. . .
“(17) pray without ceasing,” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)
The Greek there is only two words; “adialeiptos proseuchesthe” (unceasingly pray). Though I may begin the morning with prayer and end the day with prayer there are days when I could not tell you how many times I had talked to God in prayer; asking for His forgiveness, asking for wisdom, seeking direction, praying for others, and thanking Him for His mindfulness and ongoing sustaining of my life and work. What a wonderful privilege we have been given to be able to talk to God as we move through the varied activities of each day.
What should we acknowledge to feed such an ongoing attitude? John encouraged. . .
“(14) And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 ESV)
Our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. God hears us. He is aware of our prayerful thoughts whether they are uttered silently within or expressed out loud. Anytime and anywhere, we can engage in prayer. And acknowledging there is so much to be a subject for prayer (i.e. Philippians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:1-2), praying once is certainly not adequate.
As we go through the varied activities of each day, may we maintain an attitude that leaves our heart open to mindfulness that would draw us to pray to the One Who truly cares about what goes on in our life and in this earthly realm. Having our focus continually drawn upward to our Heavenly Father will also aid in moving our life onward and upward as we accept and seek for His Will to be done on earth as it is in Heaven! May an ongoing spirit of prayer remain a part of our daily life as we maintain an abiding awareness we are living life in God’s loving presence!
Have a great day COMPELLED TO PRAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY!
Carl
