September 2, 2017 - - Pray without ceasing

Rejoice always.

Pray without ceasing.

I Thessalonians 5:16-17 NKJV

There is a portion of a hymn that keeps scrolling through my heart and mind: "teach me the patience of unanswered prayer." The glory of our devotional times is not to put a checkmark beside our "to do list" and mark the time done. The goal is to know God better. The desire is to understand the greatness of Christ's sacrifice for us and His right to command obedience. The goal is for the Spirit to conquer sin within us and help us to overcome in Jesus' Name. Our formal times spent with God in Bible reading and prayer are supplemented throughout the day by the times the Spirit reminds us to pray, or give thanks, or shows us the glory of our salvation and our hearts rejoice in Him.

Spirit of God, Who dwells within my heart

Teach me to feel that you are always nigh;

teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,

to check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;

teach me the patience of unceasing prayer.

Hymn "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart"

Author: George Croly, 1854

Public Domain