"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
The apostle Paul wants us to "keep on praying" throughout our day. But how do I focus on God and on my daily activities at the same time? Sure, I do want to communicate with God all day, but I do have to talk to others, make plans, organize, create, work, all of which requires my utmost concentration. OK, so I can manage this by alternating between these two mental states knowing that God wants me to focus on my daily activities and spend time in prayer. Two alternatives, like black and white; it is either/or, not both/and. But, is it?
Recently in a Bible study group the leader asked us to consider the lies we believe about ourselves or about God that prevent us from more fully experiencing our Lord and Savior. What veil (lie) do I cover myself in? She gave us a list of possibilities to help stimulate our discovery. I do not want to think that I hide parts of myself from others, but there were a few on the list than rang true, one being: "Things are black and white to me."
Why do I like the simplicity of black and white? Life is easier on two fronts: first, fewer options for decisions makes for less stress, allows me to answer or solve a situation more quickly, and leads to feelings of competence in front of others. Second, it means that I can easily alternate between time with God and time with daily life. Life seems simple under this veil/lie, but is it satisfying?
Can I more fully experience God and his wonders without restricting myself this way? Well, after some quiet time with God, he revealed to me that I could be living a more satisfying life with him.
Regarding decision-making - yes, it is OK for me to handle decisions that have many options. Let God show me his colorful possibilities to my dilemmas. I do not need to show off my competence in front others, but rather, show that I am weighing the situation with God's wisdom.
Proverbs 4:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
Matthew 6:32-33 Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs [ie. my decisions to make] and he will give you all you need [ie. answers] from day to day IF you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern [ie. filter life's choices through the principles of God's Kingdom].
Regarding praying without ceasing - yes I can! Jesus calls us into an ongoing state of being of abiding in him at all times. We can communicate specifically at times, and commune with one another always through his Spirit. Jesus encourages us:
John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches.
John 14:20,26 I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. . . . the Father will send the Holy Spirit to teach you everything.
"On one level we are thinking, discussing, seeing, calculating, meeting the demands of external affairs. But deep within, behind the scenes, at a profounder level, we may also be in prayer, adoration, worship and receptive to divine breathings."
(Thomas Kelly, "A Testament of Devotion".)
This is very exciting - I CAN pray without ceasing! I CAN take my time making decisions! I CAN focus on my daily activities without thinking that I am neglecting my Lord. I do not need the veil of "Things are black and white to me." God's world is colorful, and I live in his world.
Lord, creator of color, creator of my world. May I turn to you and seek your wisdom, for your plan may be beyond my imagination! Help me to embrace your infinite rainbow! Amen.
