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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
16 Rejoice always,
17 pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The word “continually” means to do something regularly. To do something constantly. Relating this to prayer, as in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, praying regularly and praying constantly means that we see every moment as an opportunity to talk to God about our lives and the lives of others. It means that we are in constant communication with God.
Matthew 9:36 (NIV) states: When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Jesus saw the state of the lives of those in the crowd. They were, as Matthew 9:36 states, “harassed and helpless.” Jesus did not just see them and not have a reaction. No. Jesus had compassion on them.
As followers of Jesus, we too should have compassion. We should have compassion for family members, friends, coworkers, and so many others living lives without the saving grace of Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 (NIV): Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
We must know that the eternal destinies of those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior hangs in the balance. Where they will spend eternity is uncertain.
John 3:16 (NIV): For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
As believers, let us be aware of the urgency to pray for others to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. And to pray for them continually.
And to pray continually that people will come to know the everlasting love of God and share eternal life with Him.
Matthew 24:44 (NIV): So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domains.
