Staying Connected With God (Counseling Chapter 10)

 "Pray without ceasing" 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Sounds like 24/7 praying.  Certainly, it's an ongoing connection with the Lord.

This verse is sandwiched between 

"Rejoice always" 

and 

"give thanks in all circumstances," 

which is not conditional to whether the situation is a good or bad one.  Is it really possible to keep this up all day and night long?

To me, the continual praying is a way of staying connected to God, my Heavenly Father.  It's important to know my human limitations and that God has no limitations.  What's more, we can develop a wonderful relationship with Him.  His ears are always open to us.

So generally, we demonstrate our dependance upon Him and acknowledge our need for His intervention in our lives and the lives of our family, friends and all we meet.  That is, whether they realize it or not.

Our daily lives get busy and we get distracted and forgetful.  A way to remind oneself to "pray without ceasing" to keep the daily connection is to set your phone or clock alarm for various times throughout the day.  At those times, assign various issues, loved ones, or that friend in need to pray about and for them.  Or the in-the-moment need.

In-between times, whatever comes to mind, God wants to hear about too.  As you silently or verbally talk aloud to the Lord, you will develop that continual connection to Him.  You've all seen or are even 'one of those' people constantly on their phones, keeping their phones by their side, giggling away in their own private comedy show, as they read text messages from their contact's list.  This is the type of 'connection' we can have with our Heavenly Father.  It can be "without ceasing".

Naturally then, when counseling a friend in need, it is important to cover all stages of recovery and overcoming progress, with prayer.  Staying connected with the Lord for insight, wisdom, guidance and Holy Spirit empowering is essential.  We cannot 'do it' alone!

Rejoicing and giving thanks along the journey is part of this "continuous attitude of prayer" 

Father God, in all we do, in all we say, we do want to keep our connection with You, without ceasing.  Thank You for always being there for us.  We definitely need Your help and intervention 24/7.  At this time my friend _________ especially needs Your help to overcome and journey through their troubles and struggles with _________.  May Your Holy Spirit and the reading of Your word lead, guide, convict and bring us through.  Thank You for walking with him/her through their valley.  Bless all his/her efforts.  We do so depend upon You and Your enduring faithfulness.   We ask all this in Jesus' name, amen.

                                              ~ERC  April 2025 ~

Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV and Counseling Friends In Need by Harold J. Sala.  Chapter 10 - Successful Counseling - (OMF literature).

Sing, My God is All I Need, along with City Alight.  (Find the lyrics and read through them prayerfully before singing along.)

Memorzie:  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.