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1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV) Pray without 
ceasing. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT) Never stop 
praying, 

COMMENTARY PEARL

The Great Thing About Prayer
   I clearly remember when I was a new 
Christian and first began to pray. I had never prayed 
in my life. I wasn't aware that I could know 
God in such a way as to call on Him and listen 
to Him. I also remember the first time I prayed 
with a group of other Christians. I was so 
nervous. With every word, I was convinced I was 
bombing in my prayer. My heart was pounding and my 
throat was dry. 
   Sometimes we think we don't know how to 
pray properly because we're not sure how to 
phrase certain things. We wonder if we should use 
some special kind of language or pray in a 
certain posture. But these aren't the main issues at 
all. Far from it! The most important thing is our 
hearts. The great thing about prayer is that God 
looks primarily at our hearts. Even if our prayers 
aren't perfectly structured, even if they aren't 
eloquent, if they come from a heart that is directed 
toward God, then they are pleasing to Him. 
   God keeps up with all the latest 
terminology, so don't worry about that. He knows what you 
are saying. He knows what you are thinking. The 
main thing is to start praying. Just start where 
you are and speak to God straight from your 
heart. 
   Luke 18:1 tells us that Jesus told his 
disciples a story "to show that they should always 
pray and never give up (NLT). So spend time in 
prayer. You can pray at home. You can pray while 
you're stuck in traffic. 
   We read in the Bible that people of all 
ages from different walks of life prayed every 
day, always, in any posture, and under all 
circumstances. God can hear prayer at any time in any 
place. [Every Day with Jesus by Greg Laurie] 

COMMENTARY

The Impact of Prayer
   Prayer is the lifeblood of an intimate 
relationship with the Father. But believers often have 
questions about its power and effectiveness. Dont 
hesitate to take your queries to the Lord, dig into 
Scripture for answers, and seek the counsel of a 
trusted spiritual mentor. Prayer is too important to 
neglect. 
   Will Gods plans fail if I dont 
pray? God is not subservient to believers or 
dependent upon their prayers. The time we invest in 
speaking with Him involves us in the work that He is 
doing in our lives and in the world, but He will 
carry on without us. Laboring alongside the Lord 
is our privilege. 
   Does my prayer (or lack thereof) impact 
Gods work? I believe that Scripture indicates the 
answer to this question is both yes and no, 
depending upon the situation. There are times when 
Gods purpose is set. He is in control and has 
determined the best course. In the Old Testament, the 
Lord often prophesied what He would do and then 
brought those events to pass. 
   In other cases, you do not have 
because you do not ask (James 4:2). There are 
some good things that He holds back until we put 
out prayerful hands to receive them. But because 
God is a loving Father, He also pours our 
blessings that we wouldnt even think to request. 
   Believers prayers have tremendous 
impact, particularly on their own faith and life. Do 
you understand what an awesome privilege it is 
to kneel before the all-powerful Father and 
know that He listens and will respond? God loves 
to be good to His children and answer their 
prayers. [In Touch Daily Devotional by Charles 
Stanley at www.intouch.org] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

While engaged in our daily work, we should 
lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These silent 
petitions rise like incense before the throne of 
grace; and the enemy is baffled. The Christian 
whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot be 
overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the 
promises of God's word, all the power of divine 
grace, all the resources of Jehovah, are pledged to 
secure his deliverance. It was thus that Enoch 
walked with God. And God was with him, a present 
help in every time of need Prayer is the 
breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual 
power. No other means of grace can be substituted, 
and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer 
brings the heart into immediate contact with the 
Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and 
muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the 
exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer 
spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you 
lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties 
lose their vitality, the religious experience 
lacks health and vigor.  It is only at the altar 
of God that we can kindle our tapers with 
divine fire. {GW 254} 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20191203-1159.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Islam and Christianity in Prophecy, The 
Third and Final Conflict by Tim Roosenberg (LIVE 
NOW): 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHSJB-fuHLU&list=PLWhQIHGTHlkaGg5Cwe3NDzWtFX8vNSpsE 

Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.revelationnow.com/ 

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio: 
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657