Pray without ceasing – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

I have a board hanging on the wall by my desk that has different scriptures, prayers, and praise points. In the middle of it, I have Phil 4:6-7 to remind me to keep praying, praising, and trusting in God:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

We often say things like, “all we can do is pray” like it is some small, weak act. But prayer, when heartfelt and faith filled, is no small thing. Jesus often told his disciples to pray, and He himself prayed often. When we pray in the name of Jesus and call on the power of the Holy Spirit, things shift. Sometimes our situation shifts, and sometimes we shift. But things shift when the Holy Spirit is invited into our lives and situations through prayer.

It may feel like you are just talking to God, or at God sometimes when you pray, but don’t give up. Like Paul tells us, we need to pray without ceasing and keep giving it to God, trusting in his timing and in his power. Your prayers are not wasted, nor are they falling on deaf ears. He hears you, sees you, and is for you.

Lord, thank you that we can come to you in prayer and know that you hear us. We can trust that our prayers are being heard and, in your time, will be answered. Holy Spirit, we ask that you give us the peace to know you are moving in our situation and steadfastness to hold onto your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.