Pray Continually

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1Thessalonians 5:16-18

Things are certainly difficult right now. People are losing their jobs as companies close their doors due to the economic situation of the country. Stocks are worthless and retirement accounts have dwindled down to a third of what they were once valued at. But in spite of the pathetic outlook of things, God commands us to be joyful at all times. Even if we have no money in the bank and our house is worth half of what we owe on it, we are instructed to be joyful always!

One thing about prayer is that it changes your perspective. When difficult times arise, taking time to pray gives one God’s peace and joy in spite of the troubles being experienced. It is important to develop a prayerful lifestyle. We are called to prayer when things are going well so that we are strengthened when the picture isn’t so rosy. Prayer is not just to ask God to change the things about our lives that we do not like but a way of expressing our love to God and remaining connected to Him. When we pray continually for the people in our lives, we are showing that we love and care about them. The Bible talks about Epaphras in the New Testament and how he wrestled in prayer for others so that they may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured (Colossians 4:12). Circumstances should never be an indicator as to whether we would praise God or not. God’s will for us is that we praise and offer thanksgiving at all times.