1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Pray without ceasing. There is a mutual affinity between joy, prayer, and thanksgiving, as we see by other passages of Scripture (Philippians 3:4-6; Colossians 4:2). I. PRAYER THE DUTY, THE PRIVILEGE, THE INTEREST, OF ALL BELIEVERS. 1. It is a commanded duty. (Matthew 7:7.) 2. It is a sign of conversion. (Acts 9:11.) 3. Saints delight in it. (Psalm 42:4; Psalm 122:1.) 4. It is recommended: (1) By the example of Christ (Luke 22:32). (2) By the experience of past mercies (Psalm 4:1). (3) By the faithfulness of God (Psalm 143:1). (4) By the fullness of the promises (Psalm 119:49; 1 John 5:15). II. THE NECESSITY OF CONSTANT SUPPLICATION. ¢¢ Pray without ceasing." 1. There is nothing in the words to justify the neglect of other duties. The apostle traveled and preached and labored with his hands as well as prayed; but he cultivated a constant spirit of supplication. It is not true, therefore, that it can be fulfilled only in idea. 2. It is a command not to be fulfilled by set hours of prayer, much less by adherence to a monastic ragout of devotion. Yet it is not inconsistent with set hours. The psalmist prayed at evening, morning, and noon (Psalm 55:17). Yea, "seven times a day do I praise thee" (Psalm 119:164). Daniel prayed three times a day (Daniel 6:10). 3. The apostle enjoins a constant spirit of prayer in view of our constant dependence on the Lord. Prayer should interspace all our works. The heart may rise to a throne of grace in inward prayer when the hands are busy with the duties of life. - T.C. Parallel Verses KJV: Pray without ceasing. |
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