I was especially touched by Pastor Art’s recent sermon on prayer, specifically, The Lord’s Prayer. He also included Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing”.  This can be a confusing statement as it is not possible to be in a heads-bowed, eyes-closed posture all day long.  Paul is not referring to non-stop talking, but rather an attitude of God-consciousness and God-surrender we carry with us all the time.  Every waking moment is to be lived in an awareness that God is with us and that He is actively involved and engaged in our thought and actions. A lack of prayer manifests itself into depending on ourselves and not God’s grace.

When we become overcome with worry, fear, anger and discouragement, we are to turn our troubled thoughts immediately to prayer and thanksgiving and present our requests to God. As all of you know, prayer is a vital part of our faith life and is also essential for our emotional and physical well-being.   

When we pray for others’ needs as well as our own, we feel the burden of distress and fear in our lives lighten. Prayer can give us peace, strength, love, hope and comfort.  Who doesn’t want to feel those blessed thoughts in their lives?

Shelby Condo posted this advice on Facebook and I share this opportunity with you.  Pick a person and pray for them everyday of the year.  Pray for their faith, their health, their family, their finances. Pray over their every need. Don’t tell them you’re praying for them. Just cover them with prayer and watch God do His work in their life.

Remember that God loves you unconditionally and answers your prayers in His way and His time as He always knows what you really need.  Also remember that “prayer” is the original wireless connection.  Thanks be to God.

Patty