25 Prayers for 25 Years | Day 24 | Pray Continually

By: Penny Beal
In today’s devotional, CCA Fort Lauderdale’s Middle School Principal, Penny Beal, continues our 25 Prayers for 25 Years series by exhorting us to “pray continually.” 

Scripture:

“Pray continually.” 

–1 Thessalonians 5:17

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

–Philippians 4:6-7
 

Reflection:

When Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually," it can sound like a daunting task. How do we do that with everything else going on in life? 

Thankfully, Paul isn’t telling us to spend every second on our knees; honestly, my knees couldn’t handle that! He’s instead inviting us into a life where we stay connected to God all day long – talking to Him, thanking Him, and leaning on Him in the middle of whatever we’re doing.

Life moves fast, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and caught up in the “Tyranny of the Urgent.” But God gently reminds us we don’t have to do it alone. He says, "Cast your cares on Me," (Psalm 55:22), "Don’t worry about tomorrow," (Matthew 6:34), and to trust that He’s already working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). 

When we pray, whether it’s a long conversation or a quick, "God, I need You," we’re acknowledging that He has the power; He’s in charge, not us. Thank goodness for that! 

Speaking for myself, I’d make a mess of things on my own. Handing everything over to Jesus, who promises He is for us (Romans 8:31), is a HUGE win. Every time we go to Him in prayer, we’re letting go and letting God take the lead with the plans He has determined for us (Jeremiah 29:11). We need only to be still (Psalm 46:10).

Even Jesus showed us the power of prayer when He made a practice of separating Himself to pray and surrender to His Father. He invites us to do the same. Philippians 4:6-7 promises that when we bring everything to God with thankful hearts, His peace will guard our hearts and minds. 

Stay close in communion with the One who loves you above all you can think or imagine. Whisper a prayer. Send up a thank you. Ask for help. You’re not walking this journey alone. He’s with you every step of the way – continually.
 

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for walking with me every day and giving me the peace and hope to face anything, knowing You are at my side. 

Thank You for CCA’s 25 years of reaching new generations for You. What a blessing it is to represent You while partnering with families to minister to Your children! 

Help each of us to be mindful of Your constant presence – day and night, in every moment – so we can be mindful to include You in all things by praying continually.

 
 
Penny Beal has been a part of the CCA community for 15 years and currently serves as the Middle School Principal at the Fort Lauderdale campus. She and her husband, Jeff, have two children and four amazing grandchildren who love Jesus and attend Christian schools. Two of them, Danny and Jack, attend CCA. Penny’s life verse is Psalm 46:10: “Be still and know that I am God.” 
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