Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
What does it look like to pray without ceasing?
Did God have something specific in mind when he inspired these words to be written?
We do not have any clear strategy for praying without ceasing in the pages of Scripture. However followers of Jesus over the last two millennia have created multiple strategies for praying without ceasing. Two of the most popular and well known are these:
- The Divine Office
- The Jesus Prayer
The Divine Office
Also known as the Liturgy of the Hours, there is much to be found on this practice online, including detailed prayers and even communities to join. The basics are this, that you pray and read Scripture seven times a day. If you have never heard of the Divine Office, I suggest looking at existing forms. Later you can create your own if you choose.
If you are part of a Church tradition that has been around for more than 500 years, you are already familiar with this practice, but may or may not have ever tried it. If you are part of a newer Church tradition, you probably have never heard of it. However, various Jesus followers, of all traditions, have used it and recommend it. Recently, authors such as Jen Hatmaker and Peter Scazzero have promoted the Divine Office.
The Jesus Prayer
“Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
There are other forms, but this is the basic form of the Jesus Prayer. Now repeat it over and over all day long. This is what ancient Jesus followers used to pray without ceasing and it continues all the way up to the present.
This prayer is a form of “breath prayer” which is a short prayer prayed throughout the day. Like the Divine Office, you can create your own. I suggest doing both. Join in with what others are using as well as developing your own.
Hopefully, you will find these prayer practices developed by various followers of Jesus to be helpful. Please share your experience below in the comments section. Tell me, how do you pray without ceasing?
One Comment
Sr. Mary Joseph Suter
In the 60’s, my Community, the Daughters of Charity, began praying Lauds and Compline, two parts of the Dive Office. It makes us join with the Universal Church for the beginning and ending of our day We also say the rosary and attend Mass daily. We are part of the Catholic Church, and also of that universal group of all praying people, who worship their Creator in the way that see fit.