I Do Not Cease

Ephesians 2:15-17 says, "Therefor I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him."
I have, so many times, told people that I would be praying for them, whether it's health, spiritual issues, or just on a major test they have in school. However, I think it's become more of a comforting phrase than a promise. Notice how Paul doesn't specifically pray just for the Ephesians, but while he is praying his prayers, he makes mention of them.
1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."Always. Without ceasing. How is this possible? A week or so ago, one of my friends from the college Bible group, "The Mission" walked over to a lady to pray for her arm, as it was in a sling, and later I asked him, "How did you know you were suppose to pray for that lady?" He said that he had been practicing praying always without ceasing, in order to seek out God's plan and gift in every situation.
Praying always, for at least right now, seems really tough and almost impossible. However, my main concern is this; do we even pray? Do we put it off like our Bible Studies and maybe do it once or twice a week? Do we have a time when we pray? Do we come to the Lord to ask for strength, or do we think we can handle the trials and temptations of the day all alone?
You've heard the famous Athlete Bible Verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13. However, have you ever looked at the context of that passage? He is thanking the Philippians for their care for him. Even though he didn't need it (Verse 11), he rejoiced in the act of kindness (Verse 10). In verse twelve, he says he has learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Then comes verse thirteen.
How does Paul learn to rejoice in all situations? How does he learn to be abased and yet to abound? With the strength of Christ in him. Without that, I'd say he would be a lost cause, trying to rejoice at all times. This is why prayer is so important. Without the strength of Christ, we deserve death eternally. but by His grace, we have been given a life that leads to eternity with Him.
So, no longer say it as a comfortable phrase. Pray to Father who listens. - Forsake All