1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Over the last few weeks, God has really rocked my world! He is teaching me not only the power of prayer, but how to pray continually.
Pray continually
It seems that somewhere along my walk with God, I have created this stipulation in my mind about what prayer “looks like.” That praying had to be “pretty.” I’ve always gotten such anxiety when asked to pray over someone or to pray out loud in general, so the thought of “praying continually” seemed so overwhelming! Like, how on earth am I supposed to think of that much to pray about?! What do I even say? How do I word it correctly? What if I run out of things? Does that mean I’m doing it wrong? And on and on and on.
Recently, God has begun to slay these thoughts. I won’t say it’s all gone, but I can feel God working and rewiring this way of thinking. He is opening my heart and mind. God is showing me that praying continually doesn’t mean continually using these extravagant words that I would never actually use in a regular sentence. Praying continually is telling him about my day, what I struggled with, what he helped me overcome, thanking Him, asking Him questions and seeking out the answers. Praying continually is literally just staying in continual contact with my Maker! What a relief this renewing has been!
The Power of Prayer
Learning to pray continually has also led me to discover the power of prayer and believing what I’m praying! Praying for God’s help and actually having faith that He will help. Praying for grace and believing that I will receive it. Praying for healing, either for me or another, and being confident that the healing will come. Praying for financial support for the World Race and trusting that God will provide because He has called me to this! Side note: it is amazing how much my anxiety has subsided since I have adopted this mindset!
I listened to a podcast not long ago and the pastor said, “How many times does God have to come through for us before we believe that He always will?” and MAN that hit me hard! In John 11:40 Jesus says, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” How does it feel to be called out by Jesus?! So here I am – believing, trusting, preparing – to see the glory of God! And all God’s people said “AAAAAAAMEN!”
