Pray continually
1 Thessalonians 5:17
One of the shortest verses in the Bible is a mystery to some people: “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). One rule for Bible study is comparing Scripture with Scripture, and here in 1 Thessalonians we have several clues as to how we can pray without ceasing. In chapter 1 Paul said, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith” (verses 2-3).
Notice the word “always”—We give thanks to God always for you. Then notice how Paul said he was remembering without ceasing your work of faith. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13, he said, “We also unceasingly give thanks to God.”
Paul obviously had other prayers and thanksgivings he offered and other things he remembered. He was telling them they were constantly coming up in his thoughts and prayers.
Praying without ceasing is something we do constantly, not necessarily continuously. In other words, prayer should be constantly recurring. This requires an attitude of diligence and trust. It also helps to have some regular habits of prayer. Perhaps you can devise some triggers and prompts that will remind you to pray at certain moments. Heaven-bound believers never say a final prayer. Our fellowship with God is eternal.
