Pray Without Ceasing

16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 Watching out my kitchen window this morning, like most mornings in the winter  (gee, I do this a lot out of habit...), I watch the three squirrels that frequent the ground just under the bird feeder.  They sit on their little haunches, bending over and sitting back up quickly to devour whatever little morsel they have found discarded by the birds above, then quickly repeat the action for as long as they are undisturbed by humans or until they have had their fill.  When they eat, they always look like they are saying a short prayer for each bite they take.  

 This often makes me think about how often I lift a prayer of thanksgiving up to God throughout the day for what I have been given or am experiencing.  I see that, through the actions of a squirrel looking like it is praying over each morsel  a tiny animal may appear more grateful to God than I sometimes seem to Him.  I often take things for granted - my home, what I have to eat, my job, my family and friends.  I see that I say very few actual prayers throughout the day.  Usually I do at mealtime and maybe just before I fall asleep, but throughout the entire day?  No.

Perhaps, though, prayer isn't always given in words to God.  Perhaps, it is partly how we live our lives in response to our gifts that are also considered "praying without ceasing."  If we live our life in a manner that reflects our gratitude through sharing what we have with others, showing our faith in God through all circumstances - good and bad, and giving God the credit for all we have and are able to do, maybe - just maybe - that is part of what "praying without ceasing" is all about.

Are you grateful for all you have been given from God?  Even when times are not how you would like them to be?  Continue to "pray without ceasing" by living a life of thanksgiving and praise to Him at all times, as well as actual verbal prayers.  In this way, God will see that you are also as grateful, if not more so, than the squirrels that gather under the bird feeder.

Prayer

Lord,

I know that I often appear "ungrateful" or take for granted what You have blessed me with.  I also know that You are always with me - in good times and bad.  Please, help me to always show the love and appreciation for all of Your gifts You have given me through the way I live my life. May how I live my life appear to others as an "unceasing prayer to You" and through this, draw them to You as well.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller