Alex J Nagem © March 6, 2025
In Paul’s writings, he states in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
But what does it mean? How can I be in constant prayer when talking to others on a business call, or to my family, trying to pay attention in a meeting, or maneuvering the streets of Pittsburgh during rush hour? I shall explain.
Praying without ceasing helps our spiritual growth and brings us closer to God. God is waiting for us to listen to us. We just need to talk to Him. Our joy as Christians, as believers and followers of Christ, is not found in earthly possessions that will tarnish, crumble, age, and may even be lost or stolen. Our joy can only be found in Jesus. Regardless of our calamity, Our Triune God is always with us. We just need to turn to Him. God knows our problems and worries. God wants us to turn to Him and ask for His help, and then thank Him for the help we received. But in all circumstances, we must appreciate the Will of God for us. God knows what is best for us. Every time we have tried to solve a problem or overcome a worry on our own, it usually ends in a catastrophe. We end up having more problems and additional worries. I don’t believe we can fix problems on our own. Even with a leaky faucet that I fixed God gave me the skills to do it. I do thank God daily for these skills.
Rejoice through each day. Take time to reflect on what good has come to you. It could be something as simple as a sunny, warm day, meeting someone new who has inspired you or just made you laugh, the house you live in that has become your home, the food you eat, the water you drink, the air you breathe, the money you have to pay your bills and to share with others, and the list goes on. When you think of these good things in your life, thank God for them. All good things belong to God, and God has gifted us all good things.
Pray without ceasing means that you invoke God’s help throughout the day or just thank God for what He has given you. Constant prayer does not mean you are constantly repeating the Lord’s Prayer or reciting the Rosary, though, if you have time, I imagine you could do this. Constant prayer is keeping God close to you in your mind. A few examples of constant silent prayer that I have repeated is saying in my mind, “God bless you,” to all whom I pass by in a day. I would say a prayer for the person who cut me off in traffic instead of cursing at them. I would pray that they reach their destination safely. Another manner of prayer is making the Sign of the Cross throughout the day and repeating the words, “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be on my lips and in my heart.” Constant prayer means, keeping God close to us in our minds and our actions.
Rejoicing always and giving thanks in all circumstances is the will of God for us, as told by St. Paul, this keeps our focus on God. Talk to God in the way you talk to a friend about your joys and worries. Create your prayers while you are driving, of course, that only works if you are alone in the car. Go for a walk and talk to God, be alone with Him. Read the Bible. Keep a journal where you write to God. Most of all, trust in God’s response. We all have plenty for which we should be thankful. Tell God how thankful you are through the day.
You and your family are remembered in my prayers and I hope me and my family are remembered in yours.
Vocatus Atque Non Vocatus Deus Aderit.
Alex J. Nagem