The Grace of Mistakes
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.—Romans 3:23–24 (NIV)
Be unceasing in prayer.—1 THESSALONIANS 5:17 AMP
Paul’s statement concerning prayer seems impossible. Nonstop prayer? How can we ever achieve that in our hectic world?
By our awareness of God. Through it, we become conscious of Him and discern His active involvement in our lives. God wants to have a relationship with us, and prayer demonstrates our faith in Him. His Word tells us to stay in constant contact.
Nineteenth-century preacher Charles Spurgeon described the Christian’s prayer life as follows: “Like the old knights, always in warfare, not always on their steeds dashing forward with their lances raised to unhorse an adversary, but always wearing their weapons where they could readily reach them…. Those grim warriors often slept in their armor; so even when we sleep, we are still to be in the spirit of prayer, so that if perchance we wake in the night we may still be with God.”
Prayer strengthens us for any battle. It’s our armor and our mightiest weapon against fear, doubt, discouragement, and worry. Prayer changes our perspective and allows us to face the cares of each day. When our whole world is falling apart, prayer can keep us together.
That’s why constant prayer is so important.
Dear Father, I want to be in the center of Your will. Please help me to “be unceasing in prayer.”
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.—Romans 3:23–24 (NIV)
Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.—James 1:27 (NLT)
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.—Matthew 5:4 (NIV)