My most-used Bible is the Tony Evans Commentary Bible, and the way he unpacks 1 Thessalonians 5:17 has been powerful for me. “Pray without ceasing.” It’s a short, familiar verse, but in our time, in our culture, in our city, and especially during this month when so many churches are united in prayer, I’m beginning to truly understand it.
In this season of ministry, I spend a great deal of time with pastors and much of my day praying for them and their churches. God promised that He would build His Church, so my prayers are for the Church and its influence in our time, our culture, our city, and our nation. Recently, while meeting with a pastor, he said, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” I agreed, but added that without praying continually for wisdom, understanding, and discernment—none of us do.
This month, I know of hundreds of churches engaging in 21 days of prayer for their people and their cities. It’s remarkable to participate in three of them and see how God aligns the focus and message for this season. At CSM, we are on day 14 of our 31 days of prayer, using a written journal of reflections from 31 pastors and leaders in our city on the theme of Oneness. The Church is the hope of the world and the passion of God’s heart—and I pray for her constantly.
Yesterday, I met with a pastor and arrived two hours early so I could drive around the community, seeking the Lord for the impact of that church. I also walked the grounds, praying over the place where God has called them to serve. Prayer is the most intimate and relational way we can communicate with our Father about His Kingdom. I don’t always know what to do next, but my Father has a plan, and I want to align with it. Pastors help their people align with God through that same continual, intimate fellowship of prayer.
“Pray constantly” is how I live in communication with my Father—because I have the mind of Christ and a desire to keep going deeper. After 48 years of walking with Him, I still need His words to lead in the ministry of CSM. The pastor I met with expressed the same need. I believe every pastor and follower of Christ who desires to grow eventually comes to that place—where constant prayer becomes essential.
CSM is also entering a new season that we’ll be sharing more about soon. Pray for us, and I will pray for you, as the Lord brings you to mind. For me, continual prayer is the ongoing, intimate fellowship I need all day long. We all do. May God grow our dependence upon Him in prayer more and more.
