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Today’s Scripture ~ Ephesians 6.18 (CEV)
Never stop praying … . Always pray by the power of the Spirit [or, in the Spirit, or spirit]. Stay alert and keep praying for God's people.
Wisdom Story
A pastor is visiting with a troubled member of the congregation who is having family problems. The pastor asks, “Do you as a family have prayer together?” “Yes.” The pastor continues, “Do you share a prayer before having breakfast?” “No, we only have a prayer before our evening meal,” replies the parishioner. “We aren’t afraid in the daytime!”
Comments
St. Paul reminds us we are to pray. How are we to pray? Always. This does not mean walking around speaking a prayer always. Likely, it means simply, “Be consistent in prayer. Keep returning to prayer, inward or vocal. Do not have long intervals occur between your praying.” This is simple. We can, likewise, awake at night and offer a short prayer before returning to sleep. Little prayers through the day can keep our spirits attuned with the Spirit, and it can temper our passions by tethering our heart to God’s Love.
A deeper meaning to praying in the Spirit, or spirit, can be as follows. “Live in such intimacy with God that you are always in a spirit of prayer.” This inner disposition of prayer is the spirit out of which our prayers can arise throughout the day and night.
St. Paul says we are to “stay alert.” Living mindfulness is for the Christian who is not slumbering spiritually. Walking in the Spirit, she stays alive and mindful of her daily work and relationships. She remains mindful of living in the Presence of God. This does not make her less natural, but more natural.
Finally, praying for “God’s people” is a way of refocusing our attention. Sometimes our problems become larger by our focusing on them. Praying for others can place our own challenges in better perspective. Praying for others may be the most effective way of loving them. And, certainly, we know persons who will not receive our efforts to befriend or care for them, so, prayer may be the only way we can love them in Christ.
Suggested Reflection and Spiritual Exercise
How might you include in your daily schedule interludes for brief prayer? Often these can come at times of waiting: in line at a store, at a stop light in your car, during a restful soaking in the tub, while stirring a dish on the stove, while you wait for the beginning of a class or a worship service at a church gathering, … Praying before you arise in the morning or go to sleep at night is a good time for a short prayer. You can take a portion of your break or lunch at work to devote to prayer. Or you can devote one break or lunch weekly to prayer and devotional reading. Likewise, you can choose a park or church to pray in on your way to work or from work. Before or after a meal, or both, is an opportune time to pray. If you hear a siren, why not pray for all who might be involved in the emergency? When something or someone brings you a moment of joy, speak a silent “Thank you.” When you see someone suffering in any way, say a quiet prayer, like “O Lord, help.”
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups. He will inform regarding how to receive his other writings or offer replies to comments or questions.
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*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, and their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Clearwater and Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a United Methodist pastor and vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
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