1 Thessalonians 5:17

“pray without ceasing”

This is common theme in Paul's letter (1 Thessalonians 5:25; 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Romans 12:12; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:2). This reveals that the Christian is not confined by "set hours" to pray. “The Christian should live in such communion with God that prayer is always easy and natural” (Marshall p. 155). In view of reality within any congregation (1 Thessalonians 5:14), there are and will be always those who need our prayers. Effective prayer is linked with "rejoicing". Morris notes, “Christianity is. religion which turns men's thoughts away from themselves and their puny deeds to the great God who has wrought. stupendous salvation for them, the Christian man is ever conscious of his dependence upon God” (pp. 172-173).

It is easy to forget that there is always something we can do--even in face of the most perplexing and stubborn of problems. We can always pray! (James 5:17)