1 Thessalonians 5:17; Luke 18:1
We are living in a world characterized by movement, buzz, and noise. People are restless, constantly
chasing time to complete pending tasks and meet deadlines. “Time waits for no one,” they say. We
seem enslaved by this relentless rush rarely pausing to think, reflect, or involve the very One who
gives us time.
Temporary life attainments have consumed our attention. Overwhelmed by the daunting load of
unfinished tasks, we often reach a breaking point. Have you thought of Jesus? Have you set apart
time to talk to Him? We fail in our life duties because we have made time itself an idol. We have not
involved God, nor made Him a priority above all things.
It must be difficult for the angels, whose duty is to protect us, to bring us to pause for prayer
because of our attitude toward work. Imagine them returning to Christ, downcast and disappointed,
because we forgot to pray and missed out on the grace meant for us. Oh, how sad it is that we forget
the One who never forgets us. If only we could contemplate the importance of this statement:
“…men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” – Luke 18:1
We need moments of prayer humble acknowledgements that we can only get through each day by
His enabling. When we pause to pray, it’s not time wasted but strength gained. Our wandering
thoughts are recollected, and we are empowered to live in the sunshine of His abiding presence.
So, why miss such precious time with Jesus? Prayer draws Jesus and the holy angels closer to us. In
fact, we are drawn to the entire heavenly host. Prayer changes the one who prays it is the breath
of the soul, a spiritual necessity as vital as food to the body.
“No man is safe for a day or an hour without prayer.” Faith I Live By, p. 331
Prayer is a shield against the darts of the devil. Without it, we become easy prey, falling quickly to
temptation. Prayer offers repose from labor, giving us the opportunity to converse with
God reflecting on the day’s duties, seeking His help, praising Him for our joys, laying down our
burdens, and most importantly, worshiping and glorifying Him for the gift of time and life.
Prayer should be the breath of the soul. Our hearts should be constantly lifted in prayer, talking to
our Savior about everything that concerns us. Jesus is always ready, bending down to hear all we
want to tell Him about our lives.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
This verse doesn’t mean we must be on our knees all day. No it emphasizes the importance of
maintaining a real, living connection with Jesus. It means letting His holy atmosphere influence our
words and actions, keeping our thoughts and desires heavenward. To pray without ceasing is to let
our hearts long for God hourly and daily, finding fulfillment in communion with Him.
“Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”
Mark 14:38
When we don’t feel like praying, that’s exactly when we must press on with the little strength we
have left. Yielding to the enemy’s suggestion to neglect prayer gives him victory at our weakest
point. Neglecting prayer makes us vulnerable to Satan’s attacks and falling to his temptations may
cost us our eternal life.
Reflection:
How many times do I pray each day? Do I long to talk to Jesus? Am I too busy to pray? Do I acknowledge that the time I have belongs to God? Is God part of everything I do?
Prayer:
Lord, remind me in my busyness to pause and pray. Teach me how to keep the channels of my soul
always in communication with You. When my mind wanders, bring it back into communion with You.
Make prayer the breath of my soul. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.