D.L.

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Rejoice always, pray without ceasing. (1 Thess. 4:16-17 ESV)

These two verses, though short, are not to be underestimated in their significance. Their simplicity is a comforting reminder of the straightforward path to spiritual growth.
The message is clear and straightforward: Rejoice always and pray without ceasing! This is not an option, and we must do so. Paul also developed this idea in the letter to the Philippians, where there is a link, just like here, about Rejoice and Prayer.
They both demand a willingness of the heart, a willingness of the mind, and, lastly, a disposition of the spirit.
Why? Rejoicing is not the same as being happy; it is more profound than feeling happy; even though it implies our emotions, it is an attitude of the will. I can choose to rejoice despite my circumstances, and I make the object of my rejoicing not my struggles but the one who, despite my reality, never changes and always encourages us, coming alongside us, God’s Holy Spirit.

I was driving my son to work this morning, and he works as a supervisor for kids who come to jump, climb and have fun; this morning, he saw the car park full, and his heart sank slightly. Then I reminded him to rejoice that he can work and that he is learning, growing, and gaining skills apart from getting some money. His face changed, and he chose to rejoice. If this is true naturally, it is also true in our relationship with the Lord.

When we rejoice from our hearts, a natural sense of thankfulness arises. This thankfulness naturally leads us to prayer, a continuous conversation with God throughout the day.
One of my favourite books is Brother Lawrence’s. He practices the presence of God in prayer without ceasing. He taught me that God does not have a special time allocated to hear his people’s prayers.
So, what if I start to rejoice more and allow this very act of the will to lead to a deeper relationship with God through prayer?