BECOMING PRAYER

Paul, an apostle, wrote to the church of the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

This verse above, “pray without ceasing,” and the one Jesus gave us in Luke 18:7 “those who cry to Him day and night (in prayer)” are concepts that are tough to imagine. We begin to think of prayer strategies, refining our prayer lists, developing new times and space for prayer and reading a half dozen books on ‘how to’ pray to ‘get better’ at praying. All of this may have some value depending on circumstances.

When I first started reading the Desert Fathers and early Christian mystics, I started to notice that not much was actually said or written about personal prayer. There was some like Abba Agathon (fourth century- died 435) who wrote, “I think there is no labor greater than that of prayer to God.” OK, what he said was important, but he said almost nothing really. I think the reason for this is because the secret to prayer is living in prayer… becoming prayer.

I believe this happens when we no longer categorize or have dualistic ideas about being a disciple. When we no longer list work, money, peace, non-violence, marriage, children, shelter, justice, food, provisions, health and such as ‘a prayer list,’ but simply see it as living our life in communication with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in prayer as we go along day and night in a supernatural rhythm. Of course, something will always rise to the top in need of prayer petition in the moment. Becoming prayer replaces doing prayer.
(See Acts 1:14; 2:42; 10:2)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you.” Jesus