SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 ~ FROM A PASTOR'S HEART

SEPTEMBER 18 DEVOTIONAL BIBLE READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

If we are not careful we Christians have to formalize and ritualize everything in order for it to have some value in our lives. It is true that there are some things that need to be formalized and there is nothing wrong with ritual, properly understood and properly administered. But some things would be impossible if they are also relegated to the place of formality or ritual...prayer is one of those things. If we believe prayer can only happen with our heads bowed and our eyes closed, or only in a closet where we are alone, or on our knees or our face before God...then we would only be able to pray when those things were possible. There is a time for each of those places and positions for prayer, but that cannot always be, if we are going to have a biblical prayer life.

We are to "pray without ceasing!” That means we are to be in constant and continual prayer with God. Pray is literally a communion with God that is an intimate communication at all times. We believe that anywhere we go, God is there. Do we suppose He is there to sit off to the side and be ignored or is He there to be God in the situation, God who is part of what is going on, God who is there to lead and guide us? It is amazing to me that God has the time, the concern and the ability to be with me, listening to me and speaking to me in all things...and He is there for you in the same way. We are so privileged to have the God who is always there to care for us in all things...He is waiting to hear from us, to invite Him to be Lord of every situation in our everyday lives. What a great God we have...spend some time talking and listening to Him, get to know Him...pray without ceasing!

Please share your thoughts.