Young People's Group

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

May 04, 2014

Whatever It Is, Don’t Stop Praying

It is crucial that we meet every challenge of life and ministry with prayer. We want to be sure that we do not allow anything or anyone to stop us from praying. Busyness and tiredness can cause us to not pray. Doubts can hinder us from exercising faith in prayer. The problems and trials of life may make us feel that there is no point in seeking the Lord. For the Thessalonian church, wrong doctrines and the testing of life were potential “prayer stoppers”. The Apostle Paul commanded them to keep praying.

“Pray without ceasing” 
1 Thessalonians 5:17

The word “pray” is an imperative. It is an apostolic command from Paul for the Thessalonians and for all Christians to pray without ceasing. The phrase “without ceasing” means to not have any remission in-between. They were not to stop praying for any reason. This is our challenge too as we continue in our life and ministry. Let’s never, never, never stop praying.

The Example Of Paul In Meeting Everything With Prayer

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith” 
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

“For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?” 
1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

The apostle Paul had every reason to pray ceaselessly. When he remembered continuously the work of faith of the Thessalonians, their labour of love and patience of hope, it brought much joy to his heart. He sought to ceaselessly give thanks for them. He constantly remembered them in his prayers without fail. Although Paul was continually fighting against false teachers and going through trials, he still found time to give thanks and pray. When Timothy brought back good news about the Thessalonians Church, Paul also rejoiced for their sake before the almighty God. He kept praying exceedingly night and day for them that he may perfect what was lacking in their faith. Young people, let’s learn to rejoice in the work of God and to pray ceaselessly for each other. Let’s pray for those who are in the midst of exams or taking exams soon.

Exercising Faith To Keep Praying With Joy And Thanksgiving

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

Praying continuously should not be a tedious thing. It should be done with faith in God and love for people. It should be done with joy in our hearts. Paul also challenged the Thessalonians to rejoice always despite their persecutions in life. Joy and prayer go together. And in everything that they go through and do, there should be a spirit of thanksgiving. This is the will of God for us in the Christ Jesus. Young people, whatever it is in life and ministry, let’s keep praying with joy and with thanksgiving. Let’s never let anything stop us from praying.

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