08/29/2026
"The Greek word for -without ceasing- in
1Thessalonian 5:17 is adialeiptos, which doesn’t mean nonstop — but actually means constantly recurring. In other words, we can punctuate our moments with intervals of recurring prayer." Barry C. Black (Washington Times Nov, 2015)
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Our brains are in continual motion. Mine is on overdrive most of the time. If I let it lead, I'll either forget to pray or justify my decision to neglect prayer because I'm action-oriented.
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This made me think of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah2) Though, he was a captive and an Israelite, somehow, God positioned him as cupbearer to King Artexerxes. He had access to the most powerful man in Persia. In the 20th year of Artexerxes' reign, (445 BC) he learns that his fellow Jews back home in Judah are suffering and that the walls of Jerusalem are broken down. -Look at all the things playing out in his mind when he found out about the situation: instinct (wants to help), reactive thoughts(this isn't right), fear, (I'm scared), dreams up a plan, (I'll rebuild), idea (I'll ask the King to allow it)-
He fasts and prays in private asking God for help. Then he goes to the King with a bold plan but he apparently has a terrible poker face.
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"The king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”The king said to me, “What is it you want?” -Then I prayed to the God of heaven- and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.” Neh 2:2-5. The King is pleased to send him and provides him with all he needs.
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Nehemiah's initial move was to pray, then act, yet even in the moment, he interjected a micro prayer!
All of life carries opportunities to commune with our Father. Ceaseless prayer is simply the consistent effort to do that even in the "small" moments.
