Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 we are told, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Have you tried to put that into practice? It seems impossible! What about when I’m in traffic, trying to avoid that person who seems to enjoy tailgating even though the passing lane is open? What about when I am concentrating deeply on typing in numbers or copying and pasting words for a worship aid? Can I do that when I’m watching a movie? Surely, if it were not possible to do so, we wouldn’t be called to pray without ceasing.

St. John Chrysostom says, “No one can excuse himself from prayer under the pretext that he is occupied with daily cares or is not able to be in church. Everywhere, no matter where you find yourself, you can erect an altar to God in your heart by means of prayer.” I try to remember this and to be thankful: in traffic, for safe arrival at my destination; for the work I do, that I am able to contribute to my workplace; for peace and rest, that I can spend time in relaxation. Something I find easy to do when I’m driving is to be thankful for all the aspects of creation that I drive by: the trees, the grass, the crops, the hawks, the sandhill cranes, the turkeys, and the beautiful people walking on the sidewalk or driving past me.

I have a friend who pretty regularly utters, “Thanks be to God,” as he goes about his day and his conversations with others. I don’t think it’s just a habit. It appears genuine and makes me want to remember to do that as well. I have another friend who is often known to mention how the graces of God are amazing to him. He remembers to be thankful for those he encounters.

Whether our prayers are out loud, like the friends I’ve mentioned, or they are in the silence of our hearts, we can make it more of a regular practice to pray without ceasing. When we strive to make it our habit, our heart calls on God with ease. We come to prayer regardless of our circumstances. Prayer is a dynamic and powerful outpouring of love for God. Pray as often as possible, maybe even pray without ceasing!

Blessed Angela: “Draw me to yourself, O Lord.”