Praying without Ceasing
AM Psalm 80; Num. 9:15-23, 10:29-36; Rom. 1:1-15; Matt. 17:14-21
A few years ago, someone asked me “How is it possible to pray without ceasing?” The phrase came up in reference to Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica. She stated that she didn’t see how she could do this. I understood her doubts, if taken literally it does sound far-fetched. But what if Paul was saying we should be in conversation with God throughout our days, while cleaning the house, studying, taking the children to school, or waiting for a board meeting to begin? It could mean that we don’t separate out areas of our life as if to say, “Hands off of this God, I’ve got it.” What if we lived as though no areas of our lives are separate from God, that not only at bedtime when we say our prayers or when we attend church do we include God in our lives?
Religious orders have always held that every act can and should be considered an act honoring God. That our daily actions should be given in thanksgiving for our lives that God gave us and so in actuality all our actions can be prayers that keep us in conversation with God. Think about it, what if prayers were not just verbal conversations that we have with God but what if all our actions are prayers as well.
In the Episcopal church we say that the way we pray shapes the way we believe, and I’ve frequently added and how we live. Our prayers can assist us by guiding us into the flow of God’s grace, but if we pray for the poor, for our neighbors, or for the victims of tragic circumstances and do nothing, then our prayers are only partially complete. What if the way we live our lives, reflects our inner prayer life.
When I was first ordained priest, the idea of being a vehicle for God’s blessings, God’s mercy and grace felt like a heavy responsibility. The truth is we are all vehicles of God’s blessings, love, and mercy. This is not something set apart for those who are ordained. All of us, throughout each day can be a blessing, we can each be a living prayer expressed through our actions.
In the reading for today from Romans, Paul expresses a heart-felt longing to be with the congregation in Rome. He states, “that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers . . .” His faith, his actions, his words are all part of how he “prays” without ceasing for his congregations.
Paul’s letter to his church is full of an infinite amount of love for his people, his words are full of longing to be with them, to strengthen and uplift them, with actions that will increase their spirit, their faith.
I see examples of it every day at Saint Stephen’s. I witness people doing acts of love that are prayers in action, that are ceaseless prayers. Whether it’s making sure flowers are taken to people on our prayer list or packing snack bags for the folks in Avondale, they are all prayers in action.
If Jesus was frustrated with his disciples for their lack of faith, I can guarantee he gets frustrated with me. I find myself doubting the efficacy of the actions I take when I forget that when they are filled with faith nothing can be more powerful. I’m inspired daily by the self-less infinite love I see in the lives of those I work with and those who volunteer tirelessly who through their acts of love are actually exhibiting lives full of prayer-filled acts. Try being around someone who lives out their faith, whose actions are prayers, try it and I guarantee you will be changed. You will be inspired and energized, you will be transformed, and God will smile.
Faithfully,
Sally+
Questions for Self-Reflection: If we considered each of our actions to be a holy offering to God, how might our lives be different? Do we try to separate parts of our life out, away from God? If so what do we actually accomplish?