Rejoice always, pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
A young girl was the servant in the home of the local pastor. One day a group of ministers met in the pastor's home, and they got to discussing Paul's advice to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess 5: 17).
How to do this, they could not explain.
Has anyone here felt the same way?
The girl, hearing the conversation, interrupted, "Why, I do it all the time!" she said.
The ministers asked her to explain what she meant.
Well, the girl said "when I wake up in the morning, I ask God to open the eyes of my understanding.
Can you think of other ways to use your eyes?
When I get dressed, I ask Him to clothe me with His righteousness.
That made me think of putting on the whole armour of God (Eph 6:14-17). From The Clear Word it says:
Tighten the belt of truth securely around you,
Cover your chest with the breast plate of Christs righteousness,
Put on the shoes of good news of Christ's peace. The feet in those shoes can take the good news where ever you go during the day.
Take up the shield of faith, trusting in the Lord to stop the flaming arrows which Satan send your way.
Put on the Helmet of salvation (–protect your head, and mind from what you hear and think )
And take the sword of the spirit which is given you in the Word of God spending time in God' s word.
When I light the fire, ( turn on the stove to cook each meal) I ask the Holy Spirit to light His fire within my heart.
When I wash the dishes or the clothes, I ask Him to wash me with His regenerating power. ( it made me think of Bible verses like Ps 51: 7 & 10 "Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow." "Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right spirit within me.")
When I prepare breakfast, I ask Him to feed me with the bread of life.
In everything I do, she said, "I find a call to prayer."
I started thinking how years ago I was telling my mom about the regimented routine a friend had. I had thought it was silly until Gilbert and I went away and dad & mom babysat for us. I started telling mom our routines oh, oh maybe not as strict but they were there.
Think about the routines you have everyday and establish new habit patterns to include prayer in your daily routines. I pray that you will all be blessed as you try this. Be encouraged as you look for things in everyday life that can prompt your prayers to be without ceasing.
By Donna Leming
Women’s Ministry Leader
Swan River SDA Church