February 12th | Pray Continually. Be Alert.

---

Not sure what kind of AI lawnmower that is:) Think about your own routines. Where can you naturally weave in conversation with God?

When and Where Is the Right Time to Pray?

There’s no single “perfect” time or place to pray—only the sincere desire to connect with God. The Apostle Paul urges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV): “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Praying continually doesn’t mean nonstop spoken words; it means cultivating an ongoing awareness of God’s presence and turning our hearts to Him throughout the day.

Paul modeled this kind of life. In Romans 1:9-10 (NIV), he writes to the church in Rome: “God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you.” His prayers were persistent and woven into his daily rhythm.

Similarly, in Ephesians 6:18 (NIV), Paul instructs: “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” I especially love that phrase “be alert.” It reminds us to stay watchful for opportunities to pray—not just for ourselves, but for others.

Think about your own routines. Where can you naturally weave in conversation with God?

- During your morning or afternoon commute

- While eating lunch

- In those quiet moments between appointments, with the office door closed

- While doing everyday tasks like ironing clothes, washing dishes, folding laundry, mowing the lawn, showering, or brushing your teeth

These ordinary moments become sacred when we invite God into them.

Yesterday, I was in a hospital, walking those long corridors. Looking back, I realize how little I was “alert” to the needs around me. I could have quietly prayed for the doctors and nurses hurrying by, for the patients behind each door, for families waiting anxiously. But I wasn’t tuned in enough. It was a gentle reminder that prayer opportunities are everywhere—if we’re paying attention.

Where in your life can you become more alert to prayer? Maybe it’s noticing someone who looks weary at the store, lifting up the stressed parent in the car next to you at a stoplight, or interceding for coworkers during a busy workday. Prayer isn’t confined to church pews or quiet mornings; it’s a continual posture of dependence on God, turning every circumstance into an occasion for communion with Him.

Today, let’s commit to praying more continually—rejoicing, giving thanks, and staying alert. God is always listening, and He invites us into constant conversation. Where will you start?