August 13, 2026

Pray Without Ceasing

Once we establish a habit of daily prayer, we discover how refreshing, how delightful it is to spend time with the Lord. It becomes a bit like sitting with a friend.  The conversation becomes two ways. You talk to God. You hear from Him.  Write it down. Those notes become precious. While our first prayers can feel awkward, eventually it becomes the familiarity of two friends connecting daily.

I have read through the Bible many times. Faithfully. One Year Bible in several translations. I even read the chronological version which was not my favorite because the repeated portions come one right after the other. I’ve taken two years of religious training classes. I am still surprised when I get revelation.  Recently I read the story of the Prodigal Son and how it is about God’s love for us!  I always thought it was how we should love and forgive our children, a story of a loving father.

At prayer time we draw close to God. I am humbled at the thought I might not be respecting His holiness enough. In my mind I see Him in His glory. I know there is a thunderous sound of angels always praising Him.  I will now be more appreciative of the honor we enjoy when we are welcomed into His presence!

Small prayers are not selfish.  God cares about every facet of our lives. The big things can feel scary when we ask. I love that the small things are like David’s lions and bears. They give me confidence to ask for the larger gifts and blessings.

Sometimes I wonder if I am nagging God when I bring the same requests repeatedly. I pray from a list.  The list evolves. At times I remove things. Some time ago, I was told to pray for a specific child.  There were no instructions or time limits. It’s been years and I still pray for him.  God has given me insight and revelation about this child. He chose to knit this boy into my heart with stitches of pure love.  That is the heart of Intercessory prayer

I am amazed by God’s goodness. Prayer is powerful and world changing. As Christians, we underuse this incredible gift. When we line our prayers up with God, we create a power that should make the enemy tremble. A unified Body of Christ could stop disease, end wars and live to see the lion lie down with the lamb. Instead, we bicker over differing beliefs, inconsequential dogmas, and thus become distracted from bringing heaven to earth.

Praying for others, interceding on their behalf, is a precious gift. We're invited to sit with the Lord, discuss ourselves and our friends and ask Him to bless them.  The power of prayer is amazing.  Our world is lost in levels of sin we've never seen before.  It is our job to view these sinners as God views them. He sees redemption, repentance and Salvation. Our prayers can heal this land. We should pray that God has everything safe in His capable hands.

Lord God, I love my time with You.  Sometimes when I’m doing Bible Studies, I get excited knowing it is almost time for our talk.  Other times, I read an inspirational piece or a story, or I see something that touches or teaches me, and I cannot wait until we talk about it.  I long to be a more faithful and praying friend.  I am sorry for the times You place someone in my thoughts, and I do not stop and pray for them immediately.  Father, I choose to be a world changing intercessor. 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.   Ephesians 6:18