The Priority of Prayer

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Once Paul entered Macedonia, he immediately established a church in Philippi and then turned his attention to the port city of Thessalonica. Over 200,000 people lived and worked there. The city was a melting pot of cultural differences. It was also an area where immorality and crime thrived. Therefore, most believers saved under Paul’s ministry came from pagan backgrounds.

The apostle worked quickly to help new believers understand their spiritual foundation. One of the ways this was accomplished was through prayer. Paul admonished the church to “pray without ceasing,” which means to maintain an attitude of constant prayer. Much more than constant mumblings, unceasing prayer means to live life in conscious awareness of God’s personal love and availability.

Paul’s strategy was simple: when temptation comes - pray. When fear approaches - pray. When someone falsely accuses you - pray. When you are happy or sad - pray. No matter what you’re facing, pray because God answers prayer! The way you get to know your heavenly Father is through prayer. You can come to Him with anything, at any time or day or night.

The power of God is found in spending time with Him.