Youth · Day 7 of 7
Pray Without Ceasing
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28 (KJV)
12And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 16Rejoice evermore. 17Pray without ceasing. 18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19Quench not the Spirit. 20Despise not prophesyings. 21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 25Brethren, pray for us. 26Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. 27I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Read the whole chapter ›What it means
'Pray without ceasing' sounds impossible at first. Does Paul mean you should never stop praying, even in math class or at practice? Not exactly. He means living in an ongoing conversation with God throughout your day. Think about how you text a close friend. You do not schedule one long conversation a week. You send quick messages all day about whatever is going on. Prayer can be like that. A quick 'help me' before a test. A 'thank You' when something good happens. A 'give me patience' when your sibling is getting on your nerves. A 'show me what to say' when a friend is hurting. Paul surrounds this command with others: rejoice evermore, and in every thing give thanks. Notice it says in everything, not for everything. You do not have to be thankful that something bad happened, but you can find something to thank God for even in the middle of it. Paul says this is the will of God concerning you. People often wonder what God's will for their life is. Here is part of the answer, written plainly: joy, prayer, and gratitude. The chapter ends with a promise: 'Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.' God will help you grow in this.
Key verse
“Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (KJV)
Journal it
- What are three moments in a normal day where you could send God a quick prayer?
- What is one hard situation where you could still find something to thank God for?
- Looking back on this week, how has your prayer life changed? What do you want to keep doing?
Write your answers in a notebook or the notes app on your phone.