What does this mean? Do these words of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians apply to all Christians? How can we pray without ceasing?
We have so much to do. We have our studies, maybe a job to help pay for College. Yes, we can pray in the morning and hopefully in the evening after a long grueling day. But to pray without ceasing— how is that possible in our busy lives?
We are totally preoccupied with the pressures that we face everyday in this fast-paced century.
To pray without ceasing is not something we can simply decide to do. It is a special gift from God that is given to those who practice constant prayer. And this is something we can decide to do and is within the reach of each one of us.
We can practice constant prayer, every day and in every place. For example, when we drive we can begin the journey by crossing ourselves and saying “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice!” and as we encounter the heavy traffic on our way to work, to pray the Jesus Prayer. Resist turning on the radio. Pray instead. Don't be driven by boredom to seek some distraction, especially in the traffic jam.
Before a class or a study session, ask God to bless you, your fellow students and your work.
How often do we have to wait in a line at the checkout? This again is an excellent opportunity to pray, even if it is simply “Lord, Have mercy!” It is better to pray than be consumed by impatience—why is that elderly customer taking so long to find her check book? Doesn't she realize I'm in a hurry?
How can I pray when I have a pile of papers to write before that important tutorial? Cross yourself and say “Lord Have mercy”.
Make it a habit to bless your work and ask for God's help. Include prayer in everything you do. Don't make an important career decision, deal with a problem with your professor or employer, without prayer.
Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica tells how he was burdened by many problems in caring for his monastery. But when he committed the brotherhood and everything to the Lord, even the most difficult of jobs were completed with ease. When faced with the pressures of daily life, he resorted to prayer.
Archimandrite Vitaly (Siderenko) recommends saying the Jesus Prayer while sitting, eating, talking, walking, ironing, cooking, washing, shopping and working. By saying the Prayer we gladden the Lord, the living and the departed and our soul becomes deified. Just as we don't ask ourselves how do we breath? So simply say the Prayer and you will be saved.
He also advises us to say Psalms 26, 50 and 90 each morning when we leave the house. “Virgin Mother of God, rejoice!” Repeat this prayer during the day. If a shell of bullet should explode next to us or we were caught in a blaze, no harm would come to us.
Schema-nun Antonia told her spiritual children the following: “Wake up, get up and wash and then talk with God and tell Him everything. The Lord loves it when we talk with Him. He shows us the way, delivers and helps us.
From midnight to 3 am, the heavens are open. Prayer is very precious at this time. After midnight make three prostrations and pray to the Savior, the Theotokos and your Guardian Angel.
Matushka Antonia also said that the Mother of God does her rounds in the early hours of the morning. Should you wake up, say a prayer. Don't just turn over and go back to sleep.
Elder Thaddeus tells us that God has given us Divine, power, Divine life and Divine energy. We will be called to account whether we used these gifts to create harmony in the universe or to sow disharmony. Unceasing prayer is a special gift for those who practice constant prayer in the spirit of humility.
