“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

How simple these verses make it sound to constantly be praying and giving thanks, yet how often do we feel like the world is crashing around us and we have nowhere to turn.

What does it even mean to pray continually, or without ceasing? Try thinking of it like keeping the line of communication open with God at all times. We might not be able to be on our knees in prayer 24-7-365, but we can keep our heart and mind open to hearing God in everything we do. We can also seek him first in our everyday decisions rather than last.

Too often prayer becomes an afterthought, an option, or a last minute lifeline when we feel like everything else hasn’t worked. The Bible tell us that prayer is the opposite of these things. If we choose to put communication with God first and in everything we do, HIS PEACE will guard us. Wow, that sound like a much better option than trying to solve our problems, get frustrated, and then eventually turn to prayer.

PRAYER TIPS:

Start everyday by giving thanks for all you have.
Ask God to speak to you throughout the day and keep the line of communication open with Him.
Commit to seeking him first in everything you do.

PRAYER:

Dear God,

Thank you for all you have done in my life. Help me to seek you continually and in everything I do. I ask that your peace will guard my heart and mind as I commit to keeping the line of communication up with you throughout the day.

-Trevor and Kelly Gach