Pray without ceasing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray without ceasing…

Really? Pray without ceasing?

What do those three, simple, profound words mean? It can’t mean to never stop speaking to God because we have to sleep, right? How then, do we follow this command from God?

The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica while he was most likely in Corinth. His exhorted them to grow in their faith and live within God’s will (in ways that please God) —

Rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16)

Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Sandwiched in the middle of those verses is pray without ceasing.

Prayer is an invitation we’re to take very seriously.

• in the good times
• through terrible seasons
• with thanksgiving
• in petition
• seeking His presence
• needing His guidance
• in lament
• in confession
• with worship
• all throughout our normal day activities

Praying without ceasing includes keeping a constant connection with God, a running conversation. We text with our close friends/family all day long, don’t we? We send memes and videos and check in, “How are you doing?” and “What should we do this weekend?” God is eager for that same kind of friendship and love!

Start first thing with something like, “Good morning, Jesus. I’m following You today. I want to hang out with You, hear from You, and do life with You.” Then, keep communicating! Remember that Father Abraham was called a friend of God (2 Chronicles 20:7, Isaiah 41:8). Moses was God’s friend (Exodus 33:11a). They walked with God, obeyed Him, and kept in constant contact. We can build that same kind of friendship and talk with God (and listen) about every facet of our lives.

Here are some recommended titles on to strengthen your prayer life, Bible studies on prayer, and journals to help you grow in prayer.

Books on Prayer

Breath as Prayer by Jennifer Tucker

Start with Prayer by Max Lucado

Pray Until Something Happens by Jurgen Matthesius

When You Don't Know What to Pray by Charles Stanley

The Prayer That Turns the World Upside Down by Albert Mohler

Battle Prayers by Michael J. Klassen and Thomas M. Freiling

Praying God's Will for Your Life by Stormie Omartian

Quiet Prayer by Marie Chapian

Why I Am Still Surprised by the Voice of God by Jack Deere

Praying the Names of God for 52 Weeks by Ann Spangler

Jodie Berndt titles 

Praying the Scriptures for Your Life

Praying the Scriptures for Your Children

Praying the Scriptures for Your Teens

Praying the Scriptures for Your Adult Children

Praying the Scriptures for Your Marriage

Prayer Bible studies

Before Amen by Max Lucado

• Watch Before Amen on Studygateway.

The Daniel Prayer by Anne Graham Lotz

• Watch The Daniel Prayer on Studygateway.

The 28-Day Prayer Journey by Chrystal Evans Hurst

• Watch The 28-Day Prayer Journey on Studygateway.

Life-Changing Prayer by Jim Cymbala

• Watch Life-Changing Prayer on Studygateway.

The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

• Watch The Circle Maker on Studygateway.

Moving Mountains by John Eldredge

• Watch Moving Mountains on Studygateway.

Prayer: Does It Makes Any Difference by Philip Yancey

• Watch Prayer on Studygateway.

Prayer Journals

Daily Prayer Journal (spiral-bound)

Daily Prayer Journal (hardcover)

Resources

Bible Studies for Beginners

What the Bible Says about Prayer