Pray Without Ceasing
by Evelyn Wells
And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will. Romans 8:27 (NIV)
The only way we can pray is with the help of the Holy Spirit. Prayer is a never-ending process; we can pray without ceasing by never leaving the presence of God. He has promised us He will never leave us – He’s always there; we just need to turn to Him.
We need to allow for the fact that when we pray, we are caught between what we want and what God wills for us. God is working to get us into a place where our hope and His will are compatible. Prayer and Bible study go hand in hand. We need to ask for God’s wisdom while studying His word; the Holy Spirit reminds of what we have learned.
When we pray during a crisis, God offers us guidance and comfort. His presence is a wonderful place to run to and hide when we get so world-weary and discouraged we don’t know where to turn. Just whispering His name, Jesus, can bring untold comfort.
We understand that through the Holy Spirit’s intercession for us, we are being conformed and comforted at the same time. Our suffering is filled with the process of God creating something beautiful in us.
Prayer: Father God, help us to grow closer to You as we study Your word and talk with You about all that concerns us. In the name of Jesus. Amen

THE ANSWER

“Make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding.”                                     Proverbs 2:2 NASB

The questions of this life are varied. Some are intense, some resigned, some earnestly seeking. Whatever kind of question we ask, the answer rests in our current relationship with God.

          Life with God is a journey which will never end. It will last throughout eternity. In the here-and-now we ask questions that are irrelevant in the light of eternity. However, those questions are important now, as each question and answer propels us into an ever deeper relationship with Jesus, or not. That is to say, we grow as we get to know Him better. On the other hand, if we’re focused on getting the wrong answers and leaving God out of the mix, the questions we get answered will take us away from God.

          Shutting our eyes to the truth is a willful act and one that will take us away from a relationship with Christ. He never moves. We move, and we don’t like to admit how many times we do. With God’s grace He brings us back by turning us around and showing us that He is the answer.

Evelyn Venable Wells