Blessings

Weekends are for counting blessings!

Pray Without Ceasing

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, it says to "pray without ceasing". Cease means to end; stop. How do you pray without stopping? I can't talk all day; it's impossible. My career demands I talk a lot, but then I like to be quiet at home. At some point, I have to eat, and I can't stand mouths full while talking. Sooner or later, I have to sleep, and I can't really rest while talking. So, what does it mean to pray without ceasing?

I believe it's a mind thing instead of a mouth thing. I believe it starts by noticing Him in everything. It is being aware of Him at all times. It is acknowledging Him in good times and bad.

Like when He sends me a breeze while I mow the yard, I thank Him for His provision. When I set boundaries for students and keep them, I realize He protects me because He loves me. When I sit at a red light, I see His timing is perfect. When I hear a child throwing a fit in the store, I know He creates each life with a purpose. When I see a full moon, I smile because His beauty is breathtaking.

What does "pray without ceasing" look like for you?

Conversations with Friends

How often do you talk with your friends? What about your best friend? I love the comfort that comes from recognizing a friend by hearing one spoken word. With some it's "hello", others "hey", a few "it's me". How does that happen?

TIME & PRACTICE

With one word you can tell if a friend is excited, sick, upset, or tired. You can even hear their voice in letters, emails, and texts. A day doesn't go by that I don't talk with one or more friends. We talk either in person, by phone, or email.

Do I talk with the Father as much or more? He is always present: in me, beside me, in front of me, and behind me. Do I listen enough to know His voice with one word? Do you?

Daily Conversations

What do you think of when you hear the word prayer?
- church
- Lord's prayer
- count how many thee(s) and thou(s)
- heads bowed and eyes closed
- "in Jesus' name" or "Amen"
- Hail Mary or Apostle's Creed
- is this the right way or wrong way

I've come to learn that prayer is a daily conversation with the Creator of the Universe, who is also my Daddy. When I was younger I worried about the details. I would try to walk through my prayer before speaking it aloud. (I still catch myself sometimes.) Although I knew the truth in my head, He heard me, forgave me, blessed me, I felt something was lacking. It didn't always feel real.

As I've grown, I've learned to let go of some perfectionist tendencies (a work in progress) and traditions. This has freed me to be more genuine with Him. This has allowed our relationship to be more personal. I am more aware of His omnipresence as I pray.

Yes, there is a time for "heads bowed and eyes closed". But, I also pray on my way to work with my eyes wide open. At times I pray "in Jesus name" and other times I don't "end" it at all. I heard John MacArthur say, "Reading the Bible is like eating, and praying is like breathing." I breathe constantly. I should be in constant conversation with my Lord.

So what comes to mind when you hear the word prayer?