One of the main themes as mentioned in the documents is on pray without ceasing as this is what Paul commands in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing” (King James Version). In the following I will explore the meaning of pray without ceasing and develop implications of this theme. I will look into the meaning of pray without ceasing and the practice and the attitude of the prayer. I note that the implications of pray unceasingly are to protect us from the evil, to keep us focus in God and we have intimate relationship with God.
Meaning
Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing” (King James Version). What does it mean to pray without ceasing? In the Way of a Pilgrim the pilgrim considers whether it means “we ought always, at all times and in all places, to pray with uplifted hands.” Obviously, it cannot mean we are to be in a head-bowed, eyes-closed and always on our knees posture all day …show more content…
In the Lord’ Prayer, The Beatitudes, St Gregory of Nyssa says that “we ought always to pray and not to faint. For the effect of prayer is union with God, and if someone is with God, he is separated from the enemy.” It should be instant and intimate communication and is similar to what we enjoy with our best friend. St Gregory of Nyssa lists out a lot of good effects that prayer will bring such as “guard our chastity, control our temper and rid ourselves of vanity” etc. Luther also says one must unceasingly guard against sin and wrong-doing through continual prayer. He also says that there is a saying “ascribed to St. Jerome that everything a believer does is prayer and a proverb, ‘He who works faithfully prays twice.’ … Such thoughts and faith undoubtedly transform his work into prayer and a sacrifice of
Meaning
Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “pray without ceasing” (King James Version). What does it mean to pray without ceasing? In the Way of a Pilgrim the pilgrim considers whether it means “we ought always, at all times and in all places, to pray with uplifted hands.” Obviously, it cannot mean we are to be in a head-bowed, eyes-closed and always on our knees posture all day …show more content…
In the Lord’ Prayer, The Beatitudes, St Gregory of Nyssa says that “we ought always to pray and not to faint. For the effect of prayer is union with God, and if someone is with God, he is separated from the enemy.” It should be instant and intimate communication and is similar to what we enjoy with our best friend. St Gregory of Nyssa lists out a lot of good effects that prayer will bring such as “guard our chastity, control our temper and rid ourselves of vanity” etc. Luther also says one must unceasingly guard against sin and wrong-doing through continual prayer. He also says that there is a saying “ascribed to St. Jerome that everything a believer does is prayer and a proverb, ‘He who works faithfully prays twice.’ … Such thoughts and faith undoubtedly transform his work into prayer and a sacrifice of