17. Pray without ceasing.
Although Paul was not one of the twelve disciples, nor was he one of the seventy-two Jesus sent out on missions to minister, his zeal for following Jesus Christ is unparalleled. He openly admitted that he had been the chief sinner and, as a Pharisee, the chief persecutor of those who followed Christ. Yet after being chosen by Jesus, Paul became one of the greatest examples of what it means to be born again. If Paul were alive today, he would rightly be called a prayer warrior.
His devotion to prayer provides us with one of the shortest and most profound verses in the Bible: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He taught us to let our requests be made known to God with prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6). It was Paul who instructed followers of Christ to pray for all people—including political leaders—because when society is at peace, the Gospel can spread more freely (1 Timothy 2:1-2). But what is it about Paul’s prayers in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians that align them with the will of God — and can do the same for us today?
Modern prayer takes “making requests known to God” and with it forms the sole foundation of
prayer—often focusing on material desires. Turning the promise that “God will supply all your needs through His riches in Christ Jesus”, into a service, rather than receiving it as a gift of grace. Another prayer that is common today is the “why me” prayer. Even though scripture teaches that trials, tribulations, and afflictions will come, many believers still find it strange when they do. Much worse, wavering faith has become common when prayers are not answered according to personal expectation. But if all of God’s promises are true, why aren’t more prayers met with the expectations they are made with?
The answer is shockingly simple. Paul’s prayers are faith-centered—driven by a desire to understand God, learn to be Christlike, and effortlessly receive God’s promises to His children. He expresses this in Ephesians 1:17-19 he prays “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints: And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.”
When you pray for spiritual wisdom (James 1:5), the Holy Spirit can enlighten you to God’s will for
your life—”the hope of His calling.” Scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit who gives spiritual gifts to believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-13). God has a plan for each of His children, and He provides them with the gifts needed to fulfill that plan. A deeply rooted faith is what positions us to receive “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe”—the glory of God shining through the child of God. Not works, nor wishful thinking, only true faith aligned with God’s will.
Amen.