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1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Practicing the Presence.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NKJV) pray without 
ceasing, 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) pray continually;

COMMENTARY PEARL

   How do I live in Gods presence? How do 
I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and 
his inaudible voice in my ear? A sheep grows 
familiar with the voice of the shepherd. How can you 
and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here 
are a few ideas: 
   Give God your waking thoughts. Before you 
face the day, face the Father. Before you step 
out of bed, step into his presence. I have a 
friend who makes it a habit to roll out of his bed 
onto his knees and begin his day in prayer. 
Personally, I dont get that far. With my head still 
on the pillow and my eyes still closed, I offer 
God the first seconds of my day. The prayer is 
not lengthy and far from formal. Depending on 
how much sleep I got, it may not even be 
intelligible. Often its nothing more than Thank you 
for a nights rest. I belong to you today. 
   Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend 
time with him in silence. The mature married 
couple has learned the treasure of shared silence; 
they dont need to fill the air with constant 
chatter. Just being together is sufficient. Try being 
silent with God. Be still, and know that I am 
God (Ps. 46:10 NIV). Awareness of God is a fruit 
of stillness before God. 
   Give God your whispering thoughts. 
Through the centuries Christians have learned the 
value of brief sentence prayers, prayers that can 
be whispered anywhere, in any setting. 
   Imagine considering every moment as a 
potential time of communion with God. By giving God 
your whispering thoughts, the common becomes 
uncommon. Simple phrases such as Thank you, 
Father, Be sovereign in this hour, O Lord, 
You are my resting place, Jesus can turn a 
commute into a pilgrimage. You neednt leave your 
office or kneel in your kitchen. Just pray where 
you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral or 
the classroom a chapel. Give God your whispering 
thoughts. 
   And last, give God your waning thoughts. 
At the end of the day, let your mind settle on 
him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to 
God. Thank him for the good parts. Question him 
about the hard parts. Seek his mercy. Seek his 
strength. And as you close your eyes, take assurance 
in the promise: He who watches over Israel 
will neither slumber nor sleep (Ps. 121:4 
NIV). If you fall asleep as you pray, dont 
worry. What better place to doze off than in the 
arms of your Father. [Max Lucado Daily Devotional 
at maxlucado.com] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE


http://www.abible.com/devotions/2016/20160731-1728.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Musical Devotional On Christian Living: 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Discover Bible Studies: 
http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/ 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug 
Batchelor: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK 

Restoring The Power by Pastor John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657