Evening Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
How are YOU doing right now? On a rating scale of 1-5, with a 5-Rating being Doing Awesome, what's your vote?
Honestly for me, I think over the past four months during this chaotic global crisis, I've been consistently swaying between 3 and 4.5-Ratings, with occasional 5-Rating moments.
It hasn't been easy by any means!
But, I've found staying intentionally dependent and connected to God through prayer has been instrumental in my abilities to do the following:
Regularly walk in the Holy Spirit.
Regularly assume and display God's attitudes and perspectives.
Withstand, and in some cases, overcome my fears, anxiety and various trials thrown my way.
I can't stress enough how important and beneficial maintaining an active prayer life is to a believer, especially during tough times, tests, and crises.
As the saying goes, "Prayer is powerful and changes things!"
For a believer- Prayer should be a continual spiritual necessity, like how breathing is a continual body necessity.
"Prayer demonstrates a humble dependence upon God, for prayer is the breath of the dependent soul that touches the heart of the Father." -Author unknown
In Dr. Charles Stanley's message titled, Prayer: Our Time-Saver, he highlights 7 benefits of prayer:
Provides timely direction. Prevents wrong decisions.
Eliminates worry and anxiety. Produces peacefulness.
Invites God into our activity. Produces confidence.
Eliminates fretting. Sharpens discernment.
Gives us energy. Prevents distractions.
Reminds us to act now. Protects us from discouragement.
Opens doors of opportunity. Helps us discern between busyness and fruitfulness.
Therefore, it shouldn't be surprising to see Paul command the Thessalonians to,
"Pray without ceasing." -1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV)
However, is Paul commanding believers do nothing with their lives except pray incessantly?
No, of course not!
Instead, Paul is commanding we always rejoice, give thanks in everything, and regularly commune with God in our spirit throughout every aspect of our daily lives (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
First Baptist Church Covington (FBCC) describes that pray without ceasing means:
We have the understanding and belief that, "God is right here with me and He is with me at all times." What a privilege and comfort it is to know we're not alone, and that there's a living God and Savior in Jesus Christ "doing life" with us and always accessible to us any time, any place.
Our lives are constantly turned toward God the Father. We recognize that everything in life involves Him, that we can’t do life apart from Him.
We put everything in God’s hands. Paul told us to be anxious about nothing, but to be prayerful about everything (Philippians 4:6). Therefore, we must seek Him and seek to pray about everything in life. My life is immeasurably better when I am prayerful about everything. No wonder Paul told us to pray without ceasing and Jesus told us to always be in prayer (Luke 18:1).
To make prayer a natural occurrence in your life, as natural and regular as breathing. Therefore, praying without ceasing means, "To have such holy desires in our hearts, in the will of God, that we are constantly in loving communion with the Father, petitioning Him for His blessing” (Warren Wiersbe).
So, given everything shared above, how's your prayer life?
Are you regularly inviting God into all aspects of your daily life in prayer, during the good and tough times? If not, start now and enjoy amazing fellowship with God!
Share your thoughts on this post in the comments below.
Just a few reminders:
We're in this together! Connect with other Mocas, join our private Facebook group. You can also subscribe to our site below and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Looking for inspirational clothing and jewelry? Shop our online store.
Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
-Natasha
Comments