Rejoice always,
pray without ceasing,
give thanks in all circumstances.
— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Did you see what I like to call the “Sandwich of a Satisfied Life”? You have two slices of bread and something special between them.
- One slice of bread is called, “Be happy all the time” (v. 16). It reminds us of Paul’s words to the Philippians: “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:6).
- Another slice of bread is called, “Be grateful no matter what” (v. 18). It reminds us of Paul’s words to the Ephesians: “[Give] thanks always for everything” (Ephesians 5:20).
- Now, look at what’s between the two: “Pray without ceasing” (v. 17). It reminds us of Paul’s words to the Colossians: “Continue steadfastly in prayer” (Colossians 4:2).
Praying to God should be as natural and involuntary as taking a breath; and, it is definitely the secret to living a satisfied life. It brings a peace-of-mind like no other kind. Here are five reasons why. When we pray: (1) God, the Father listens to us (Psalm 86:1, 6-7), (2) Jesus talks about us (1 Timothy 2:5; cf. Hebrews 9:24), (3) the Holy Spirit thinks with us (Romans 8:26-27, (4) the Angelic host works for us ( Hebrews 1:13-14) and (5) the Grace of God circles around us (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Kind of makes you want to pause right now and think or speak a pray, doesn’t it. Well, go ahead. No one has to know…but every member of the Godhead will know. You will know; and, that can help you meet that special challenge of the Psalms:
Be still, and know that I am God.
—Psalm 46:10
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