Always rejoice. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 WEB (God’s Will in Jesus Christ)
Praying continually does not mean we are always on our knees. It is a state of being. It is always being in contact with the Lord. When we are in constant contact with God, we are constantly growing in our understanding of his will. We are strengthening our relationship and reliance on his word.
Seeking God’s guidance in all things, giving thanks and rejoicing always, we are living by God’s will for us in Jesus Christ. We are guaranteed the necessities of life when we seek God first, As Jesus says concerning our basic needs in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well. WEB”
When we pray, let us first seek to understand the will of God for our lives. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus quoted these words from Deuteronomy, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ NIV” God’s word helps us to grow in love, in faith, and in understanding of his righteousness.
Pray for One Another
Beyond praying for our own needs, scripture encourages us to pray for others as well. As we read in James 5:16, “Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. WEB” Confessing our sins keeps us humble. In addition, this scripture teaches that righteousness and prayer are effective for healing the mind, soul, and body .
And so, it is important that we confess our sins and seek the righteousness of God in order for our prayers to be answered. We read in 1 Peter 3:12, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil. WEB” For those who trust in God, continual prayer and thanksgiving is God’s will in Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for all things as they work to serve me as a believer. You are my joy. Jesus Christ is my hope and my salvation. Deliver me from temptation and lead me to pray continually in the Holy Spirit that I may know your will in all things. In Jesus’ name – Amen.”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Trust in the Lord
