When a Christian goes through his or her daily routine, do they involve God in their whole day? Or just when it’s convenient. Do we as children of God talk to God throughout our day; as we work, play, eat, or even and especially study? When we watch a movie do we remember to ask ourselves, "If Jesus were sitting here with me, would I be ashamed to be watching this movie?" or, "Would I be embarrassed to listen to that kind of music?" Do we always have the Lord in our hearts and on our mind? It’s very important to remember that our Lord wants to hear from us and often. He expects us to involve Him in our lives.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 3 words say it all. "Pray without ceasing." Now "without ceasing"
means never ending. It means don't just pray to Him when times are tough, it means pray all the
time. The word "pray" appears in the entire Bible 306 times, so I feel that it’s safe to assume that
it is something that God feels very strongly about. This much is all too obvious. In Romans chapter
12, Paul is writing about our responsibilities toward God and society, and in verse 12 he lists among
our instructions "continuing steadfastly in prayer." The Webster's dictionary defines the word
“continue” as: remaining in a given place or condition; abide; stay. To the word "steadfast" or
"steadfastly" it says: to be firmly established; unchangeable; faithful. Therefore, given the
definitions of these words, continuing steadfastly in prayer means to stay unchangeable in prayer; to
abide faithfully in prayer.
Many of us, no doubt, have been guilty of looking to God only when someone is sick, or we're
really depressed. Or perhaps when we've just lost our job. Or it could be that we've fallen on hard
financial times. All these occasions are indeed excellent times to pray. In 1 Peter 5:7 we are
instructed to cast all our care upon the Lord, "for He cares for you." Certainly we should turn to God
in times of distress, that's what He wants us to do. But we also need to remember Him when times
are good, and we're healthy and feeling good. We need to thank Him in prayer when we have a job,
and when we prosper. When we realize that God has preserved our lives to this moment in time, we
need to honor Him. The list goes on.
How many things could you pray for when you merely set down to dinner? How about thanking
Him for your life, for your family, for the food that He sets before you, for the financial means in
which you purchased the food, etc. The apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:6 to "be anxious for
nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made
known to God."
Jesus told His disciples in Mark 11:22 to “have faith in God.” In verse 23 He gave an example
of ultimate faith by referring to casting a mountain into the sea by believing it with all faithfulness.
In verse 24 He said, "therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that
you receive them, and you will have them." If we pray to God for something and then we don't
believe that He will answer our prayers, then you can rest assured that He probably won't. When
we read of asking in prayer for wisdom in James 1:5-6, it simply says “... let him ask of God, who
gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with
no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”
Brothers and sisters in Christ, God will provide for us so long as we seek Him out. If there is
something that we feel that we need and we don't receive it, you know that God had a reason for
doing or not doing what He did. After all, he knows what is best for us. He is the Father and Creator
of all things and knows our every thoughts. In Matthew chapter 10:29, Jesus said that not one
sparrow "falls to the ground apart from your Father's will." And in verse 30 He stated "but the very
hairs of your head are all numbered." In Matthew 6:31-33, Jesus said “therefore do not worry,
saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these
things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek
first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
It's reassuring to know that there is someone watching over me, and that through a consistent
and loving relationship with God, “all these things will be added to” me.