"Pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17).

I have heard several Christians through the years say in times of despair, "All we can do now is pray." This expression is the defeatist attitude of those who believe they are impotent. They see it as a last ditch hopeless effort to have our desires heard by a distant God. God is our father, the one on whom we must depend for everything in life. Prayer should not be our last resort, but our first. We are not a defeated people, but are more than conquerors through Christ who strengthens us. We are victorious children of God and we should act like it. We must pray without ceasing. This does not mean pray 24 hours a day. It means pray at regular times during the day and do not let anything interrupt our doing it.

We have many who need the prayers of faithful Christians. We must be willing to boldly approach the throne of grace. We must believe that he will hear our requests and He will intervene in our behalf. Let us not be timid children afraid to ask God for what we need. We are not afraid or too lazy to ask our earthly fathers for the things we need, neither should we be too timid or lazy to ask our heavenly father for what we need. Take time to talk with God. Therefore, let us apply the simple exhortation. Pray without ceasing.

- edited, Robison Street church of Christ bulletin, Edna, TX, 1/8/12