1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray continually. (NIV)

Remember, before cordless phones, how those old, curly phone cords could be stretched and stretched and stretched? In fact, I recall that when my kids were small, the four-foot phone cord in the kitchen eventually stretched to more than three times that length due to the fact that I was always stretching it to its limit. A friend would call, and during our conversation, that curly cord would stretch over to the sink as I washed dishes. It would follow me to the washer and dryer on laundry day, to the back door to let the dogs in or out, and over to the living room door to check on the kids in the play area.

All this stretching occurred because communication between stay-at-home moms was invaluable. Sorrows as well as joys were shared. Problems were discussed and worked through. Decisions were made. Friendships were forged, and relationships were strengthened, all because that old, curly phone cord had the ability to stretch and stretch and stretch.

Learning to pray continually is also a stretch. And yet, the forging of this discipline is invaluable when it comes to the results that continual prayer offers. When we stretch ourselves to include God in everything we think and say and do, sorrows are more easily borne; joy is multiplied; decisions are wiser and less stressful; problems are seen from new perspectives; and our relationship with Jesus Christ is strengthened as we discover that He is the best and greatest friend we will ever have the privilege of knowing.

Prayer: Father God, we thank You for the privilege of prayer: being able to speak with You at any time, under any circumstance, in any place. Bless us daily through the prompting of Your Holy Spirit to stretch our times of communication with You, more and more, until it becomes natural to pray continually. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
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