“Be
cheerful no matter what; pray all the
time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you
who belong to Christ Jesus to live.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18, (MSW)
How
does “continual prayer” work? It is a wonderfully simple gift from a loving God
the Father. Think of it this way. Unless an electrical appliance is plugged
into an electrical outlet (or a surge protector) in your wall, you won’t get a
chance to use the item. It’s useless to you.
Do
you get the spiritual analogy? Unless you are plugged in to God the Father
(through prayer, Bible reading, worship, or ministry involvement) your
effectiveness as a Christian is minimal.
God
the Father knows you cannot be in “continual prayer” twenty-four hours a day. (When would you sleep, eat, or spend time with
family or friends?) God the Father does know you can do the fast, small “prayer
snippets” as you effortlessly move around your world. (This is the part you
influence positively or negatively. It’s your choice.)
Romans
1:9-10 and I Thessalonians 2:13 connect prayer and thankfulness together.
(These “spiritual twins” go together just like peanut butter and jelly do.)
When you are truly thankful it changes your outlook on life as well as what you
pray for. Being thankful makes you a more positive person that other people
want to be around.
As God the Father impresses something or
someone (I Thessalonians 1:3, 2 Timothy 1:3) on your heart, say a “prayer
snippet” before the moment passes. Allow Him to direct your spiritual
communication (Ephesians 6:18). This unselfish act of prayer and love may make
all the difference in someone’s life. Enjoy the privilege of being used as God’s vessel.
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