Foundations
Episode 6
Without Ceasing
Inviting prayer into every moment of life.
SERIES: FOUNDATIONS
Episode 6 of 7
These companion notes are designed to help you continue the conversation with God beyond the episode.
SCRIPTURE
What We Studied for this Episode
These are some of the Scriptures we used to prepare and share in this episode. Click the triangle to see the passages.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 – Paul’s final exhortations to the church
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ephesians 6:16-20 – Praying at all times in the Spirit
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
English Standard Version (ESV), italics added
Luke 18:11-14 – Biblical example of the “arrow” or “breath” prayers
11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed[a] thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
English Standard Version (ESV), italics added
Psalm 25:1-2 – A prayer of David
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, in you I trust;
let me not be put to shame;
let not my enemies exult over me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS
As Mentioned on this Episode
These are the books, articles, podcasts, and other resources referenced during this conversation.
The Practice of the Presence of God
This edition of Brother Lawrence’s book is great because it also includes his Maxims as well as a biography of his life. Click the image for a link on Amazon. It is also on our Resource Library page.
REFLECT
Slow down and consider what God may be showing you.
Read slowly through the Scriptures and think back to the conversation. Don’t rush to the “right” answer. What draws your heart?
Notice
Are there places in your day that can benefit from a quick prayer or “breath” type prayer? Where do you need to break down the divide between your daily life and your prayer life?
Consider
If you begin to engage with God throughout your day, how would your experience of the day shift? One clear attribute of Brother Lawrence’s life was joy. The 1 Thessalonians passage above begins with “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing”
A person who has a cough does not cough constantly, but they are always aware of the chance they might need to cough. How would your prayer life change if you approached ongoing prayer in this same way?
Respond
What are some short verses in the Bible that you could pray regularly, such as the arrow prayers or the Psalms? Take time to write down 2-3 different verses that speak to your heart and begin to pray them.
PRACTICE
This Week
One simple invitation
Take a deep breath.
Notice how that breath changes your body, mind and spirit. Consider how the combination of a deep breath and a simple prayer to God can impact your day.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Share what God is Teaching You
We would love to hear what God. is teaching you through these conversations. Come and share your story, your questions, your reflections, and even your ideas for future episodes.
Email us at unpolishedprayer@gmail.com
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A Note About Our Resources
The resources shared on this page are intended to support the conversations on Unpolished Prayer and encourage continued growth in prayer and a deeper understanding of Scripture. While we carefully select resources we believe are faithful and helpful, we encourage every listener to test what they read and hear against the truth of God’s Word.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.