"Pray without ceasing"

1 Thessalonians 5: 16 "Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

Life is not easy. Can I get an 'amen' here?

How does one go through life on this earth "always joyful"?

Nehemiah 8:10 "...Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Psalm 28:7 "The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song."

Lord God, help us to see things the way you do ... seeking out the important things that give us joy ... like knowing you and looking forward to eternal life with you.

Seriously, is it possible to "pray continuously"?

In all things in all times and in all places we can and should be talking to God ... He's in love with us and loves to hear from us ... about every detail; big and little ... in trouble and affliction ... in thankfulness and praise ... there is no better listener and no deeper lover of our soul. Lord, I do believe you love me like that ... help my unbelief!

Do we really "give thanks in ALL circumstances"? ... even when we don't feel our circumstances are something to be thankful for?

Thankfully Jesus warns us, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 Thank you, thank you, for the warning, Jesus! Help me to see that any suffering or trouble I am going through pales in comparison to what you went through for me.

Father God, please forgive us when we think of prayer as a last resort ... or an afterthought. Help us to be mindful of you and all you provide and want to give us ... the joy and peace that passes all understanding ... the hope of everlasting happiness.

Lord, we lift up our pastors to you today as they make their final preparations to lead our congregation in worship of you ... as they put the finishing touches on their sermons inspire them with your Word that they may speak it boldly and declare the Good News of the salvation you've sent in your son, our Savior, Jesus!

Holy Spirit, work in the hearts of all those that enter our church building this weekend. Fill the building with your holiness and fill us up to overflowing with your love. Convict every person who is a part of Good Shepherd that although we need food and water ... man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from You, Lord. Put a desire in each one of us to absorb your Word every day.

Thank you for another beautiful day. In the precious name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.