The Believer's "DSL"

Paul challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually" (NIV). The classic King James Version reads, "Pray without ceasing."

Have you ever thought about what this might look like in real life? I mean, I think we all realize that it doesn't mean we need to pray with our eyes closed and perhaps on our knees 24/7.

But if it doesn't mean this, then what does it mean? What does this look like?

I believe we see a picture of it in Nehemiah 2:4b-5a. Of course, if we read Nehemiah 1, we understand that Nehemiah has received a troubling report about conditions in Jerusalem - its wall is broken down, and its gates are burned down (see Nehemiah 1:3). Upon hearing this news, Nehemiah cries out to the Lord and asks God to give him favor so that he could do something about the disturbing situation in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 1:11b).

Now the scene shifts. In the next chapter we find Nehemiah in the presence of king Artaxerxes who is asking why he is sad (see Nehemiah 2:1-2). It's at this point that Nehemiah shares with the king about the disaster back in Jerusalem. So the king asks Nehemiah what he wants him to do (see Nehemiah 2:4a).

And here's where a portrait of "continual prayer" comes into sharp focus. Nehemiah 2:4b-5a says, "Then [Nehemiah] prayed to the God of heaven, and [he] answered the king..." (NIV).

Can we see it? I'm sure Nehemiah didn't hold up his hand after the king asked Nehemiah what he wanted him to do, get on his knees, bow his head, close his eyes, and recite a lengthy prayer! No. It actually appears things moved along seamlessly from the king's question, Nehemiah's prayer to God, and his response to Artaxerxes.

And this is the point: Nehemiah was living in a constant attitude of prayer when he talked with the king. So Nehemiah never had to "start" praying because he never really "stopped" praying!

It seems clear from these verses that when our hearts are truly and fully engaged with God, prayer is not something we do from time to time. Rather, it's how we live all the time. We live in a constant attitude of prayer.

It's like we live with what I call: D.S.L. or "Daily Spiritual Link!" We're continually sensitive to God's work so prayer is always permeating our hearts and minds. When we live with this "Daily Spiritual Link," prayer isn't our last-ditch effort after we've exhausted all other options. No, it's actually our first response to any and every situation.

Paul says in Philippians 4:6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (NIV). This is how we live in continual prayer! This is the Believer's "DSL".

Blessings...