Before I came to Nicaragua, I was always curious to see which parts of my spiritual life would grow. I thought surely it would be something like my faith, my attitude, knowledge, or my devotion. While all of those things are important and are certainly being challenged while I’m here, the one thingI’ve found to increase abundantly is my prayer life. I haven’t exactly figured out why that is, but I have discovered the importance of it. It’s changed the way I view my days and my circumstances, and I truly find myself praying so, so much more.
Throughout my time here so far, “Pray without ceasing.” -1 Thessalonians 5:17, has been a go-to for me. When I used to hear this verse, I would almost over look it. Who actuallyprays without ceasing? I sure don’t. So, what are we supposed to get from this passage? What does this mean?
I think being here and watching this aspect of my spiritual life grow, I’ve seen this verse in a different light. I think that it means if there were to be a common thread that should run through the life of every Christian each day, it should absolutely be prayer. Does that mean you refuse to speak to anyone else throughout your day or that you drive down the road with your eyes closed and ask God in the words of Carrie Underwood, “Jesus, take the wheel”? No, please do not do that. However, it does mean that you should always be ready and always be willing to go before God with anything and everything. Nothing we face is too small or too big for God to care about. He created you, He knew you before you even knew yourself, so why would He not care about you or the things that you take to Him in prayer? You should bathe your life in prayer. You should pray for wisdom, you should pray for peace, and you should pray for patience. Pray not only for circumstantial things, but for all aspects of your life. Pray for your future spouse, pray for your future career, pray for your health, and for the children that God may eventually bless you with. Pray for the people that surround you and their needs, too. Even when a situation may seem hopeless, God is always going to listen and He’ll carry you through it. We have to learn to give every person and every thing in our life to God in prayer — There is no safer place to put your trust than in the hands of God, your Maker.
Talk to Him today, and enjoy the peace and joy that he as in store for you!