February 16: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
I had a friend years ago who never ended a prayer with “amen.” Her thought was that her prayers were a continual conversation with God. For her, saying “amen” signaled the end of the prayer like saying “goodbye” ended a phone call. Because she prayed throughout the day, she intended her prayers to be an ongoing dialogue.
The word “amen” is derived from the Hebrew language and literally means “so be it.” It is a form of agreement or saying I believe or mean it. Although it doesn’t mean goodbye and can be said at any point in a prayer, we often close with it. I have always liked my friend’s idea, providing a tangible reminder that prayer should be ongoing. In 1 Thessalonians 5, we are told to never stop praying.
So, what does it look like to pray without ceasing? I often imagine Jesus being physically present with me and think of my prayers as an ongoing conversation with Him. He is omniscient, meaning all-knowing, and omnipresent, meaning being present everywhere at the same time. Because of these characteristics, He is present with me at all times and also knows everything that is going on around and within me. Nothing is hidden from Him, yet He wants me to come to Him and share what’s on my mind and heart. He invites my ongoing conversation!
I often lift up prayers throughout my day as I am in and out of meetings and trying to handle situations well. Sometimes it is moments of gratitude as I see God at work around me. Sometimes it is a cry for help, wisdom, or patience. I am better equipped for whatever comes my way when I am diligent about my connection with Jesus.
We are encouraged to pray for ourselves and others without stopping, as multiple passages in scripture attest. As you contemplate the practice of ongoing prayer, here are a few additional verses to focus on this week:
Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:12 (NLT)
I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, Ephesians 1:16 (NLT)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 (NLT)
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 (NLT)
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:3 (NLT)
In closing, scripture also teaches us to regularly and consistently pray for our leaders and those in authority over us. This is a great reminder for us on President’s Day:
1I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3This is good and pleases God our Savior, 1 Timothy 2:1-3 (NLT)
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org