Lectionary Readings: Psalm 26, 28; PM Psalm 36, 39
Isa. 5:13-17, 24-25; 1 Thess. 5:12-28; Luke 21:29-38

The readings for the past few days have been much about preparation, no?  And not just the practical, are you prepared for the coming of the Lord, is your house in order preparation, but the preparation of your heart and mind, once again, to live as you believe.  And at the top of that to-do list, I see prayer.

Pray without ceasing is what the Holy Spirit has been whispering to me the past few days, first lovingly by a dear friend who marveled with me at the power of prayer if we truly believed Jesus when he said, ask of me anything.   Then today I hear the words again from Paul in his letter to the church in Thessalonica.  And as I ended my time with the Word this morning, I lifted my eyes and and began, once again, to pray without ceasing.

1 Thessolnians 5: ¹⁶Rejoice always, ¹⁷pray without ceasing, ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.