Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.


“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NRSV)




Have you ever had a song stuck in your head – one that continues to play over and over in your mind? Since I participated in church choirs starting when I was small, I have a huge memory collection of anthems and hymns I've sung. When reading the Bible, I often come across a passage that was used as lyrics in one of those songs. I wind up singing that song to myself, and then it gets stuck in my head – which means I sing it over and over until it drives me almost crazy. There's even a term in English for this phenomenon: earworm.

However, when I recently came across the verse, “Pray without ceasing” in 1 Thessalonians 5, I wondered if those earworms might actually be good for me. If I sing the same spiritual song over and over, could that be considered continuous prayer? The words of those songs certainly turn my mind toward God, as I conduct my daily, worldly business.

Now when a song I know from church gets stuck in my head, I pay attention to what I am singing, using the words as a prayer rather than trying to push the song from my mind. Plus, I listen more attentively to what God might be trying to tell me through that particular song. An earworm can become a blessing!



Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to pray without ceasing and to keep our minds focused on you. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Someone learning about prayer.

Thought for the Day: Small annoyances can become reminders to listen to God.

Story shared by: K. Sheard (VA)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 7/28/11