Pray without Ceasing?

By: Debbie Christopher—Pray without Ceasing?

Last month we looked at the concept of praying for someone as they unexpectedly pop into our minds. Then, a prayer opportunity was presented to us recently that led me to cover another occasion to remind us to pray for others.

This new prayer concern that was shared with my husband and me involved exciting, yet nerve wracking emotions—as well as anxious unknowns. I quickly responded that I’d be praying everyday, if not every hour! The other person reassured me that every hour would not be necessary. I replied back, “This is a ‘pray without ceasing’ request!

So, just what does pray without ceasing mean? It definitely doesn’t mean fold your hands, bow your head, and close your eyes 24/7—especially when driving!

Warren Weirsbe, one of my favorite commentators who always manages to explain a Biblical concept with simple everyday examples, explained it this way.*

First of all, he quickly explained that it does not mean continuously mumbling long recited prayers.

His next paragraph made me snicker, as it reminded me of my husband’s and my dating days. Weirsbe explained, “It’s keeping the receiver off the hook to be in touch with God continuously.” While talking on the phone, Greg and I would often go several minutes with no conversation while we worked on homework or fulfilled some other responsibility…but we were still connected and picked up our conversation when some special thought came to mind.

That’s what pray without ceasing means. That is what God offers us. He wants to be connected to us in order to listen and be available at any time.

What does this look like in our daily lives?

Besides the unexpected situations mentioned last month, let’s consider some examples we use as reminders and/or opportunities to ‘pick up our conversation’ with our loving Father.

• A few years ago, a family member experienced a life circumstance that required the temporary uae of a storage facility. The facility was along the route my husband took to work. He shared with me that he prayed for them every time he drove by. The storage facility is no longer needed, and my husband’s route has changed due to road construction chaos, but whenever we happen to drive by for other reasons, he always mentions he just prayed for them. ~~just picking up the conversation.

• My husband also prays for a dear friend whenever he sees a Mustang. My mom always prayed for a family member whenever she saw a yellow car. Is there a particular person you could pray for whenever you see a certain vehicle?

  
  

• I have always been enthralled by planes landing and taking off, and since we live near the flight path of our airport, I see many fly-overs. I automatically ‘pick up’ a new conversation and pray for the people leaving or arriving. Are they excited to see a new grandchild or a much needed vacation? Are they rushing to an ER to see someone special—maybe for the last time? Heading to a funeral? Are they nervous? Scared? Anxious? They may not only need safety, but maybe personal grace and strength as well. I also say a little prayer whenever I see a medical helicopter fly over.

  
  

Consider little prompts to remind you to pick up the receiver and carry on a conversation with your Heavenly Father…whether about a need you or someone dear to you may have, or something regarding a stranger that may have a need. The point is, take time to have a conversation. He is always waiting on the other end of the line—just like Greg was!

Along this same line, short breath prayers are simple conversations when you can’t ‘close your eyes!’

Pray without ceasing!

~Debbie

*Warren W. Wiersbe, The Wiersbe Bible Commentary, Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 2007