Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Persistence in Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22
Vs. 16-18 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
 In Paul’s Epistle to the Thessalonians, we see Paul outlining the manner in which the Lord desires us to lead and live our lives; being fervent in prayer.
 Prayer is not situation specific. In which times do you thank the Lord in prayer for the blessings he has bestowed upon you? Do you thank Him only for the positive? Or do you examine all the triumphs and battles the Lord has given you and thank Him daily in your prayers? It comes easy to us to be thankful in the good times; but we struggle to rejoice in times of pain. We struggle to see the purpose in the battles we face throughout our lives. We fail to remain steadfast in our prayers when it seems as if our prayers are not panning out to what we desire.
 Prayer is not to be viewed as magic. Prayer is not a time where you voice your desires, your wishes to the Lord and expect them to be fulfilled. The Lord is not to be viewed as a magic genie that fulfills our prayers. We often pray for what we want when the Lord blesses us with what we need.
Prayer is communication. Prayer is your opportunity to align your heart with God’s will for you. Set aside uninterrupted time for you and the Lord to spend together. Use it as a time to explore the circumstances in life you may be grappling with; and as a time to express your gratitude for any circumstances that have been used to manifest the Lord’s master plan for you. Your call, your cry to the Lord in your time of prayer is your open invitation to seek Him. Seek for what you require of Him and listen for what He requires from you.
 Be joyful, always.  Pray continually; prayer can never be exhausted. In all circumstances be thankful. Even when it seems that our prayers are not being answered, God hears us. Remain persistent in prayer for He will never forsake you.
 PRAYER
Lord, allow our prayers to serve as a way to display our gratitude for all the blessings and battles you have bestowed upon us . We are not worthy of your love and your mercy, but you have given it to us freely. We are no where near the people you have planned for us to be but grant us the days to better ourselves according to your will. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
One day passed without thanking the Lord for all that He has done for you is one too many.
Anissa Thomas, Tabore MTC, Staten Island, NY
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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