Page 94 - First Steps 2023

Stretch
Activity The World’s Cheapest Bracelet
Two
There’s a passage in the Bible about prayer that
sets a high, high bar:

“Never stop praying” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT).
Um…how do you do that? Closing your eyes while driving seems like
an especially bad idea.
Relax: You didn’t just get a 24/7/365 assignment. The meaning of
“never stop” in the passage’s original language doesn’t mean nonstop
prayer. It means recurring prayer—to pray frequently.
Instead of limiting prayer to a devotional time or before meals, it’s

being in a dialogue with God throughout your day. To ask him things, to
tell him how you’re feeling, to seek his wisdom as you tackle a task.
Do this: Put a rubber band around your wrist in the morning and
leave it there.
When you notice it, pay attention to what’s happening around you. Is
there a person who might need you to pray for her? A situation that could
use grace?
Pause long enough to quickly pray about what you notice. Even a five-
second prayer is enough.

You’re praying without ceasing—and you’re growing in your friendship
with Jesus.

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