An Open Line of Communication - February 23

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflect

What do you think it means to pray without ceasing?

Imagine trying to have a meaningful relationship with someone you never talk to. That individual talks with you, but you don’t reply. They send you messages that you occasionally read, but you don’t respond. Communicating is completely a one-way street. How meaningful do you think that relationship would actually be? Do you think the relationship would ever grow or develop into anything but a superficial acquaintance?

Sadly, that is how many of us engage in our relationship with God. He has spoken to us through His Word and through His world (Romans 1:20). He has given us 24-hour access to our Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22). We can talk to Him any time day or night through prayer. There is nothing special that we have to do or prepare…we can just simply start talking to Him. Prayer is such an amazing privilege for believers. It is a privilege, but it is not optional.

In today’s verses, we read that it is God’s will that we would praise Him joyfully, continually pray, and thank God no matter what situation we find ourselves in. In other words, God wants us to be in constant contact with Him. Now, this doesn’t mean that we quit our jobs because it’s God’s will that we pray all day or that we neglect our earthly relationships and responsibilities because we are too busy praying. God simply wants us to keep the lines of communication open with an ongoing dialogue.

It’s kind of like a relationship with a spouse, a parent, or another family member or friend that you see pretty much every day. Chances are, that person is the first person you talk to when you wake up. You check in with them often throughout the day to see how they are doing. When you have a question, you reach out to ask them. When something exciting happens to you, they are the first person you want to tell. When you are worried, afraid, or need advice, you know that they will listen to you and share your concerns. Before your head hits the pillow, they are the last person you speak to.  The lines of communication are always open and communication is a two-way street.

But, depending on your current season of life, you may have more or less time to devote to prayer each day. When you're less busy, it's nice to be able to devote 15 or 20 minutes each morning to spend time in prayer. But as life changes, it's important to remember that God doesn't just hear us when we pray for 15 or 20 minutes, He'll hear us if we only have 15 or 20 seconds. Whatever is filling your life these days, find ways to incorporate little prayers throughout your routines.

Jesus often went off by Himself to pray and be alone with God (for example, Matthew 14:23). It is good for us to seek solitude with the Lord but it’s also good for us to pray continually throughout our day. It’s like physical fitness. If we want to be healthy, it’s important to have a daily sweat session but it’s also important to find little ways to move whenever we can. If we want to be spiritually fit and have a healthy and meaningful relationship with the Lord, we need both quiet prayer sessions and ongoing conversations with God. So, keep the lines of communication open as you go throughout your day today. Prayer is a privilege, but it’s not optional. It is God’s will for us.

Respond

Lord, I praise You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to open the direct line of communication to You. Help me to be aware of Your presence as I go throughout my days. Prompt my heart to notice things that I can rejoice over and thank You for. I want to be thankful in all circumstances and in constant contact with You. Amen.

Reveal

Tell a trusted friend about your goal to keep the line of communication open with God throughout the day. Ask that friend to check up with you in a couple days so that you can share how it’s going.