Pray Without Ceasing

Lord, I will “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Father God, my Creator, I desire to be pleasing to your eyes. My salvation bestowed upon me by your Son, Christ Jesus, has broken the enemy's hold on my life. By Your sacrifice, Lord, you have defeated him for all who place their faith in You.

Lord, I am still a work in progress and prone to sin; I pray You will change me to one of happiness and satisfaction in You, pushing the desire to sin out of my heart and filling it with an unwavering love for You. Thank You for the challenges in my life as they draw me closer to You.

Lord Jesus, I strive to reflect You to those around me so that they may desire to come to know You.  You, Lord, who willingly sacrificed Your life to complete the Father's plan of redemption for His people. You embraced these sinful and broken people when You walked through creation and continue as You are seated at the right hand of the Father.

I pray that the Holy Spirit will convict me of my sins and that I may be as humble as you were on Earth. Like Paul, teach me contentment in every circumstance. It is my will and desire to offer You my life as a living sacrifice of praise.

Like David, loosen my lips so that I will freely and unashamedly praise Your name. Father, I pray you will edify me on the power of a heart filled with thankfulness, for I know that within the heart in which you dwell resides your truth and grace, a gift to the faithful. “I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens” (Psalm 7:17-18:1).

In the precious name of Christ Jesus, we pray, amen.