READ:
Ephesians 6:
“Be
joyful always; pray continually “without ceasing”; give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 (NIV)
The exhortation to pray without ceasing never
made much sense to me. After all,
surely God didn’t expect me to spend the day on my knees; there was work to be done! However, after experiencing the movie,
“Fiddler On The Roof”, the words of Paul “to pray
without ceasing” suddenly took on special meaning. In the film the main character, Tevye, talks to God while going through his daily
routines. Not the long-winded
orations that we sometimes hear from the pulpit but short simple unembellished
utterances that serve to acknowledge Gods presence and the need to communicate
with Him not just during our devotional hour but throughout our day. Maybe this is what Jesus had in mind
when He cautioned against vain repetitions, “…do not keep babbling….for they
think they will be heard because of their many words (Matthew 6: 7 NIV).
I
frequently find myself using these “mini-prayers” when driving, especially in
crowded urban areas. They often
consist of just a few words, frequently, incomplete sentences. Maybe, “Lord, help me focus my thoughts
as I maneuver through this traffic” or “Grant me grace not react with anger to
the erratic driving around me” or “Guide me, I’m confused.” These groanings of one’s heart become increasingly
meaningful as we use them. Whether they are uttered silently or aloud, they
become woven through our thoughts and may even transform our attitude both
towards the situation and/or our fellow drivers. Finally, I have found an excellent way
to start each day is “Lord, let me be a blessing to someone as I go through this
day” and to repeat it frequently as I encounter the events of the
day.
Often one has used “mini-prayers” but hasn’t called them that. The main characteristics are their
brevity and recognition that God is always ready to hear our concerns, laments,
and thanks. Listed below are some
other situations and “mini-prayers” which may spark your own thoughts.
Dealing
with difficult or insensitive
people
Whether
this may be a governmental official or a cranky mate, “mini-prayers” may reduce
the level of tension or stress for both parties. “God, it appears that he/she is having a
bad day. Give me the words to offer
cheer and understanding” or “Help me to focus on the problem and not the
negative attitude” or “Change my heart toward this person.” These brief prayers can serve to help us
evaluate the real importance of the encounter and allow God to put within us the
most loving attitude we can master.
Thank You for this Person
Most
salespersons during a holiday season claim that these festive occasions often
bring out the worse in people. A
smile of thanks can be a pleasant “mini-prayer or maybe a comment such as “Your
helpfulness really adds to the season” or “ I thank God
for people who are so helpful during this time of the year.” Needless to say these expressions should
be sincere and reflect His love in our heart.
No, “pray without ceasing” does not require us to spend the entire
day on our knees, but it does require that we make quick, brief prayers our
habitual response to numerous situations throughout the day. To paraphrase a slogan of a credit card
commercial, “Don’t leave home without Him”.