LIVING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Pray continually? What does that look like? Focused time alone with God, praying with our Bible open, is not only an appropriate and effective means of two-way communication with our heavenly Father, it is essential. Jesus gave us the example of often going away by Himself to pray. If Jesus needed to pray, how much more necessary for us to know God, lean into His strength, and discover His will for us.
However, it is impractical to think a call to continual prayer is a command to hide away from the world and spend all of our time in that manner. There is a time to pray, and a time to get moving. The story of Joshua shows us that. When Joshua led God’s people, he worshiped and prayed. God gave him instructions, which Joshua and the people obeyed. The walls of Jericho came crashing down, and they experienced a great victory, by God’s power. What followed was a great defeat at Ai. Joshua again went to prayer, asking God why they lost a battle they should have won easily. God said, “Stand up. What are you doing down on your face?” There was sin in the camp, and Joshua needed to deal with it. (Joshua 6-7).
IT’S AN ATTITUDE
Continual prayer is an attitude of prayer that we carry with us into all our other activities. It is living in the awareness of God’s presence, and continually turning our thoughts to Him to seek His direction.
Nehemiah gives us another example. As cup-bearer to the king, Nehemiah was still in Persia after many of the exiled Israelites had returned to Jerusalem. He received news concerning his countrymen. The Temple had been rebuilt, but the walls of the city were still in ruins. The conditions were bad. The people were in distress.
Nehemiah wept for them. He spent days praying and fasting. Then, he continued praying in his heart while he carried out his responsibilities to the king.
After a period of four months, the king noticed unusual sadness in Nehemiah, so he questioned him. When the king gave Nehemiah an opportunity to tell him what was on his mind, Nehemiah shot up a quick prayer in the moment. He told the king the conditions of his people, asked permission to go and help, and asked the king for supplies needed for rebuilding.
The king granted his requests. The passage teaches us Nehemiah lived in the Lord’s presence. He knew he drew his strength from God and he depended on Him. His immediate response to bad news was prayer. He continued praying while carrying out his duties, all the while waiting on God, watching to see how He would lead. When the king questioned him
Nehemiah prayed in the moment for God’s courage to explain the matter to the king. Nehemiah recognized the king’s provision as God’s provision. He didn’t rush into making a request to the king, he awaited God’s timing. When the king spoke to him, Nehemiah was ready. Nehemiah credited God for answered prayer.
As Nehemiah’s story continues in Jerusalem, we see him busy with the things that had to be done, but all the while relying on God, seeking His help, and thanking Him for His provision.
To pray continually is to live in the awareness of God’s presence, and our dependence on Him. It is trusting Him to do what only He can do, and knowing He will enable us to act according to His will.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2 NIV
What are your thoughts about living in the presence of God? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
©2026 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Steve Haselden from Pixabay