Pray Without Ceasing? But how do I still get the laundry done?

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

“Pray without ceasing.” (V17)

Lord, what does that even mean?

I can’t pray while I’m working, or can I?

Can I pray while I’m doing my chores?

I can try, but how does that look?

Sometimes, I find it hard to pray for five minutes;

How can I pray all day without ceasing?

When the scriptures say pray without ceasing, it doesn’t mean we should forgo our regular lives to spend our day in designated prayer. I believe it means we are to have an attitude of worship, which is also a form of prayer.

The preceding verse says, “Rejoice always” (v16). Sing praise to create an atmosphere of prayer. Giving thanks centres our minds and directs our attitude toward God for the day ahead.

Have you ever had a thought float through your mind about someone you know? Take a moment and pray for them, even if you don’t understand why they came into your thoughts or what you would pray for. You can ask God to minister to them or bless them with whatever they need. He knows.

When I’m driving, I talk to God in the car; it helps me avoid getting frustrated with other drivers! It frees my mind from the tasks of my day and seeks direction from Him. When I think about family and friends, those thoughts can become prayers to God for their needs, comfort, direction, or blessing.

During a conversation with others, pause and silently seek direction on your discussion and attitude. Ask God to bless the conversation and invite the Holy Spirit into it.

The following verse says, “Giving thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (V18). While cooking dinner, thank God for His bounty, for your provision, and for your family. Or doing chores, thank God for your home, friends, employment, and church.

In small ways, we can pray without ceasing throughout our day, inviting God and the Holy Spirit to partner with us in our daily conversations and interactions with others.

It is easy to forget, allow our minds to wander, and think negative thoughts, but with a few reminders, we can change. A habit can be hard to break, but gradually, day by day and thought by thought, we can honour God with our thought life and learn to rejoice, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.

What is your best tip or strategy for remembering to focus your thoughts and prayers during the day? Please share in the comments (PS I read them ALL!)