Many of us respond to the above with the thought, “I can’t do that - I have too much to do!” The thought that seems to drive us is rather, “Do stuff without ceasing!” Whether we work with our hands, our minds or whatever combination, we like to be busy. So prayer is a tough concept. Even assuming the postures of prayer - closing the eyes, bowing the head, even getting on our knees - is indicative of ceasing activity. We don’t gravitate that way . . . we have too much to do.

I don’t think Paul meant here for us to cease activity and pray all the time. Some people, I suppose, are wired that way, and some even do it (monastics and the like). In the immediate context he says “be joyful always” (v. 16) and “give thanks in all circumstances” (v.18a). He is encouraging an attitude of joy, prayerfulness and thanksgiving - all the time! That of course doesn’t mean that we try to convince ourselves that everything is always alright. We can be realists - but with this kind of attitude. In terms of prayer this means recognizing our continual dependence on God. Even when things are going well, when we are enjoying success, when relationships are good, when the lines have fallen for us in pleasant places - it can all change in a moment. God does not, and he wants us to depend on that fact, on him. Sometimes our prayer is for immediate help and divine intervention; other times it is thanksgiving for that already given. Paul ends his thought here with “this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (v.18b). Another word for all of the above is faith. And it is through faith that we are saved.

So - prayer is important, in our attitude and our actions. It is good to pray as above, to have that attitude; it is also good to set aside specific times for prayer. How are you doing that? Try to have a regular time for prayer each day, and to schedule prayer times with a different focus. I’m a morning person, so that’s when I do it; I pray for different areas/groups of people on different days: HBFers, family, students, friends in ministry, friends outside of the faith. . . . It’s also good to pray with others. How are you doing that? Who is your prayer partner? That can be someone you actually pray with, and/or someone to whom you are accountable for your prayer life (and a prayerful attitude!). So, grab your (prayer) partner and do it! This is God’s will for you. When we do, we increasingly see God at work. I have lately been encouraging this in relation to people we know who have yet to come to faith. Let’s keep that up! Start with one or two - and expect to see what God is doing.